Cord management system

ABSTRACT

A cord management system includes a strap. The strap has a first set of magnets attached to a first location on the strap and a second set of magnets attached to a second location on the strap. The strap also includes at least two modes of operation. In a first mode of operation, the first set of magnets is magnetically attached to the second set of magnets so that a first segment of the strap located between the first set of magnets and the second set of magnets forms a loop configured to secure a cord that is wrapped around the strap. In a second mode of operation, the first set of magnets is magnetically detached from the second set of magnets so that the first segment no longer forms the loop. The strap is also configured to be coupled to an object.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.12/761,333, filed Apr. 15, 2010 now U.S. Pat. No. 8,261,416, which is acontinuation of PCT Patent Application No. PCT/US2010/031087, which wasfiled on Apr. 14, 2010, which applications are incorporated by referenceherein in their entireties.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosed embodiments relate generally to a system and a method formanaging cords.

BACKGROUND

Many portable electronic devices (e.g., as mobile phones, audio players,video players, etc.) generate audio output. To maintain privacy (e.g.,for phone calls, etc.) and/or to improve user experience (e.g., formusic and/or video playback, for noisy environments, etc.), a user maychoose to use headphones. Although some portable electronic devicessupport wireless headphones that receive audio signals wirelessly (e.g.,Bluetooth, etc.), many users of electronic devices still use wiredheadphones that receive audio signals through an audio cord connected toan audio port of the portable electronic device. Unfortunately, wiredheadphones can become easily tangled when the portable electronic deviceis not being used. For example, the cord of the wired headphone maybecome tangled when the portable electronic device is stored in a bag ora purse. Similarly, other electronic devices may use video cables, audiocables, and/or power cords that present similar cord management issuesto the user.

One solution to this problem is to detach the cord of the wiredheadphone from the portable electronic device and to store the wiredheadphones separately. For example, the wired headphones may be storedin a special pouch or container. Similarly, the cord of the wiredheadphones may be wrapped around itself so that the cord does not becometangled. However, detaching the cord from the portable electronic deviceis cumbersome because the cord must be reattached (and possibly removedfrom a container or unwound) prior to being able to use the wiredheadphones with the portable electronic device. Furthermore, theheadphones may become lost or may be forgotten if the headphones aredetached from the portable electronic device

Another solution to this problem is to wrap the cord of the wiredheadphones around the portable electronic device without detaching thecord from the portable electronic device. However, the cord of the wiredheadphone may become unwrapped and tangled. Furthermore, although thecord may be organized when it is wrapped around the portable electronicdevice, once the cord is detached from the portable electronic device,the cord may become unwrapped.

Thus, a cord management system that solves the aforementioned problemsis desirable.

SUMMARY

Some embodiments provide a cord management system that includes a strap.The strap has a first set of magnets attached to a first location on thestrap and a second set of magnets attached to a second location on thestrap. The strap also includes at least two modes of operation. In afirst mode of operation, the first set of magnets is magneticallyattached to the second set of magnets so that a first segment of thestrap located between the first set of magnets and the second set ofmagnets forms a loop configured to secure a cord that is wrapped aroundthe strap. In a second mode of operation, the first set of magnets ismagnetically detached from the second set of magnets so that the firstsegment no longer forms the loop. The strap is also configured to becoupled to an object.

In some embodiments, the strap includes a cord-attachment mechanismconfigured to attach the strap to a cord and/or a connector for thecord.

In some embodiments, the cord management system includes a plurality ofmagnets configured to be attached to the cord.

In some embodiments, the cord management system includes a magneticmaterial configured to be attached to an object.

Some embodiments provide a cord management system including a strap. Thestrap has a first magnetic material attached to a first location on thestrap and a second magnetic material attached to a second location onthe strap. The strap also includes at least two modes of operation. In afirst mode of operation, the first magnetic material is magneticallyattached to the second magnetic material so that a first segment of thestrap located between the first magnetic material and the secondmagnetic material forms a loop configured to secure a cord that iswrapped around the strap. In a second mode of operation, the firstmagnetic material is magnetically detached from the second magneticmaterial so that the first segment no longer forms the loop. The strapis also configured to be coupled to an object.

In some embodiments, the first magnetic material and the second magneticmaterial are selected from the group consisting of a magnet,paramagnetic material, and a ferromagnetic material.

Some embodiments provide a cord management system including a strap. Thestrap has a first attachment mechanism at a first location on the strapand a second attachment mechanism at a second location on the strap. Thestrap also includes at least two modes of operation. In a first mode ofoperation, the first attachment mechanism is attached to the secondattachment mechanism so that a first segment of the strap locatedbetween the first attachment mechanism and the second attachmentmechanism forms a loop configured to secure a cord that is wrappedaround the strap. In a second mode of operation, the first attachmentmechanism is detached from the second attachment mechanism so that thefirst segment no longer forms the loop. The strap is also configured tobe coupled to an object.

In some embodiments, the first attachment mechanism and the secondattachment mechanism is selected from the group consisting of: magnets,Velcro, adhesives, suction cups, and a van der Waals force attachmentmechanism.

Some embodiments provide a method for managing a cord. The cord iswrapped around a strap, wherein the strap includes a first set ofmagnets attached to a first location on the strap and a second set ofmagnets attached to a second location on the strap. The strap is foldedso that the strap forms a loop around the cord. The loop is secured bycoupling the first set of magnets and the second set of magnets.

Some embodiments provide a system, a computer-readable storage mediumincluding instructions and a computer-implemented method formanufacturing a cord management system. A strap is formed. A first setof magnets is attached to a first location on the strap and a second setof magnets is attached to a second location on the strap. The strapincludes at least two modes of operation. In a first mode of operation,the first set of magnets is magnetically attached to the second set ofmagnets so that a first segment of the strap located between the firstset of magnets and the second set of magnets forms a loop configured tosecure a cord that is wrapped around the strap. In a second mode ofoperation, the first set of magnets is magnetically detached from thesecond set of magnets so that the first segment no longer forms theloop. The strap is also configured to be coupled to an object.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates components of a cord management system, according tosome embodiments.

FIG. 2A illustrates a cord wrapped around a magnetic strap and anelectronic device, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 2B illustrates a cord wrapped around a magnetic strap and theelectronic device, wherein the magnetic strap is folded over the cord,according to some embodiments.

FIG. 2C illustrates a cord removed from the electronic device, accordingto some embodiments.

FIG. 2D illustrates a cord wrapped around a magnetic strap and a hand ofan end user, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 2E illustrates a cord wrapped around a magnetic strap and the handof the end user, wherein the magnetic strap is folded over the cord,according to some embodiments.

FIG. 2F illustrates a cord removed from the hand of the end user,according to some embodiments.

FIG. 2G illustrates a cord that is partially wrapped around a magneticstrap and the electronic device, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 2H illustrates a process for deploying a cord wrapped around theelectronic device, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 2J continues the process of deploying the cord illustrated in FIG.2H, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 2K continues the process of deploying the cord illustrated in FIG.2J, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 3A illustrates a process for managing a cord using a magnetic strapand magnetic beads, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 3B continues the process illustrated in FIG. 3A, according to someembodiments.

FIG. 3C continues the process illustrated in FIG. 3B, according to someembodiments.

FIG. 3D continues the process illustrated in FIG. 3C, according to someembodiments.

FIG. 3E continues the process illustrated in FIG. 3D, according to someembodiments.

FIG. 3F illustrates a configuration to secure the free end of the cord,according to some embodiments.

FIG. 3G illustrates an alternative configuration to secure the free endof the cord, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 3H illustrates an alternative configuration to secure the free endof the cord, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 3J illustrates an alternative configuration to secure the free endof the cord, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 3K illustrates an alternative configuration to secure the free endof the cord, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 4A illustrates a process for deploying a cord wrapped around theelectronic device with the assistance of a magnetic material located onthe electronic device, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 4B continues the process of deploying the cord illustrated in FIG.4A, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 4C continues the process of deploying the cord illustrated in FIG.4B, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 4D illustrates the strap of FIG. 4C folded over into the loopconfiguration, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 5A illustrates an end user using an electronic device and a cordwith magnetic beads, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 5B illustrates using the magnetic beads to secure speaker cords ofthe cord of FIG. 5A, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 5C illustrates the end user using the electronic device and thecord with magnetic beads when the cord is fully-deployed, according tosome embodiments.

FIG. 5D illustrates using the magnetic beads to secure speaker cords ofthe cord of FIG. 5C, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 6A illustrates a top view of a magnetic strap, according to someembodiments.

FIG. 6B illustrates a perspective view of the magnetic strap illustratedin FIG. 6A, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 6C illustrates a side view of the magnetic strap illustrated inFIG. 6A, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 7A illustrates a top view of a magnetic strap, according to someembodiments.

FIG. 7B illustrates a perspective view of the magnetic strap illustratedin FIG. 7A, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 7C illustrates a side view of the magnetic strap illustrated inFIG. 7A, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 8A illustrates a top view of a magnetic strap, according to someembodiments.

FIG. 8B illustrates a perspective view of the magnetic strap illustratedin FIG. 8A, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 8C illustrates a side view of the magnetic strap illustrated inFIG. 8A, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 8D illustrates a shape of the magnets of the magnetic strapillustrated in FIG. 8A, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 8E illustrates another shape of the magnets of the magnetic strapillustrated in FIG. 8A, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 9A illustrates a top view of a magnetic strap, according to someembodiments.

FIG. 9B illustrates a perspective view of the magnetic strap illustratedin FIG. 9A, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 9C illustrates a side view of the magnetic strap illustrated inFIG. 9A, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 10A illustrates a cord-attachment mechanism, according to someembodiments.

FIG. 10B illustrates another cord-attachment mechanism, according tosome embodiments.

FIG. 10C illustrates another cord-attachment mechanism, according tosome embodiments.

FIG. 10D illustrates another cord-attachment mechanism, according tosome embodiments.

FIG. 10E illustrates another cord-attachment mechanism, according tosome embodiments.

FIG. 11A illustrates a side view of a grommet for a cord attachmentmechanism, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 11B illustrates a perspective view of a grommet for a cordattachment mechanism, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 11C illustrates another grommet for a cord attachment mechanism,according to some embodiments.

FIG. 12A illustrates a magnetic strap, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 12B illustrates another magnetic strap, according to someembodiments.

FIG. 12C illustrates another magnetic strap, according to someembodiments.

FIG. 12D illustrates another magnetic strap, according to someembodiments.

FIG. 12E illustrates another magnetic strap, according to someembodiments.

FIG. 12F illustrates another magnetic strap, according to someembodiments.

FIG. 13A illustrates a top view of a magnetic bead, according to someembodiments.

FIG. 13B illustrates a side view of the magnetic bead, according to someembodiments.

FIG. 13C illustrates a cross-section view of the magnetic bead,according to some embodiments.

FIG. 13D illustrates another cross-section view of the magnetic bead,according to some embodiments.

FIG. 14A illustrates a magnetic bead, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 14B illustrates another magnetic bead, according to someembodiments.

FIG. 14C illustrates another magnetic bead, according to someembodiments.

FIG. 14D illustrates another magnetic bead, according to someembodiments.

FIG. 14E illustrates another magnetic bead, according to someembodiments.

FIG. 14F illustrates another magnetic bead, according to someembodiments.

FIG. 14G illustrates another magnetic bead, according to someembodiments.

FIG. 14H illustrates another magnetic bead, according to someembodiments.

FIG. 14J illustrates another magnetic bead, according to someembodiments.

FIG. 14K illustrates another magnetic bead, according to someembodiments.

FIG. 15A illustrates a process of attaching a magnetic bead to a cord,according to some embodiments.

FIG. 15B illustrates the magnetic bead of FIG. 15A attached to the cord,according to some embodiments.

FIG. 15C illustrates another magnetic bead that is attached to the cord,according to some embodiments.

FIG. 15D illustrates several magnetic beads that are attached to thecord, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 15E illustrates a process of attaching a connector for the cord toa magnetic strap, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 15F illustrates the connector of FIG. 15E attached to the cord,according to some embodiments.

FIG. 15G illustrates a magnetic material attached to an object,according to some embodiments.

FIG. 15H illustrates an assembled cord managements system, according tosome embodiments.

FIG. 15J illustrates views of the magnetic material, according to someembodiments.

FIG. 16A illustrates a magnetic strap attached to an object, accordingto some embodiments.

FIG. 16B illustrates the magnetic strap of FIG. 16A folded to form aloop, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 17A illustrates a magnetic strap attached to an object, accordingto some embodiments.

FIG. 17B illustrates the magnetic strap of FIG. 17A folded to form aloop, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 18A illustrates a magnetic strap integrated into a case for anobject, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 18B illustrates the magnetic strap of FIG. 18A folded to form aloop, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 19A illustrates a case for an object, according to someembodiments.

FIG. 19B illustrates a magnetic strap attached to the case illustratedin FIG. 19A, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 19C illustrates the magnetic strap of FIG. 19B folded to form aloop, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 19D illustrates a cord wrapped around the magnetic strap and theobject of FIG. 19B, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 19E illustrates the magnetic strap of FIG. 19D folded over to forma loop around the cord, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 19F illustrates the strap securing the cord detached from theobject, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 20A illustrates a process for managing a cord, according to someembodiments.

FIG. 20B continues the process illustrated in FIG. 20A, according tosome embodiments.

FIG. 20C continues the process illustrated in FIG. 20B, according tosome embodiments.

FIG. 20D continues the process illustrated in FIG. 20C, according tosome embodiments.

FIG. 20E continues the process illustrated in FIG. 20D, according tosome embodiments.

FIG. 21A illustrates a process for deploying a cord wrapped around adevice, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 21B continues the process illustrated in FIG. 21A, according tosome embodiments.

FIG. 21C continues the process illustrated in FIG. 21B, according tosome embodiments.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart of a method for using a cord management system,according to some embodiments.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart of a method for configuring a cord managementsystem, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 24 is a block diagram illustrating a computer system formanufacturing a cord management system, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart of a method for manufacturing a cord managementsystem, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 26A illustrates an object and a cord secured by a magnetic strap,according to some embodiments.

FIG. 26B illustrates the magnetic strap attached to the object,according to some embodiments.

FIG. 26C illustrates the magnetic strap attached to the object,according to some embodiments.

FIG. 27A illustrates a magnetic strap attached to an object, accordingto some embodiments.

FIG. 27B illustrates the magnetic strap of FIG. 27A folded to form aloop, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 27C illustrates the magnetic strap of FIG. 27A rotated 90 degrees,according to some embodiments.

FIG. 27D illustrates the magnetic strap of FIG. 27C folded to form aloop, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 27E illustrates the magnetic strap of FIG. 27A attached to a topsurface of the object, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 27F illustrates the magnetic strap of FIG. 27E folded to form aloop, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 27G illustrates the magnetic strap securing a cord and attached tothe object, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 28A illustrates a magnetic strap attached to an object, accordingto some embodiments.

FIG. 28B illustrates the magnetic strap of FIG. 28A folded to form aloop, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 28C illustrates the magnetic strap of FIG. 278 rotated 90 degrees,according to some embodiments.

FIG. 28D illustrates the magnetic strap of FIG. 28C folded to form aloop, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 28E illustrates the magnetic strap of FIG. 28A attached to a topsurface of the object, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 28F illustrates the magnetic strap of FIG. 28E folded to form aloop, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 28G illustrates the magnetic strap securing a cord and attached tothe object, according to some embodiments.

Table 1 presents exemplary dimensions of the magnetic beads illustratedin FIGS. 14A to 14K.

Like reference numerals refer to corresponding parts throughout thedrawings.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Cord Management System

To address the aforementioned problems, some embodiments provide a cordmanagement system that secures the cord and prevents the cord frombecoming tangled. FIG. 1 illustrates components of an exemplary cordmanagement system 100. The components of the cord management system 100may include a magnetic strap 101, one or more magnetic beads 102, and amagnetic material 103. The magnetic strap 101 is described in moredetail with respect to FIG. 6-12 below, the magnetic beads 102 aredescribed in more detail with respect to FIG. 13-14 below. The magneticmaterial 103 is described in more detail with respect to FIG. 15G below.

In some embodiments, the cord management system 100 is provided to anend user as a kit that includes components that the end user assemblesto form the cord management system. The process of assembling the cordmanagement system 100 is described in more detail with respect to FIG.15 below. In some embodiments, the kit includes a subset of thecomponents illustrated in FIG. 1. For example, the cord managementsystem 100 may include: (1) the magnetic strap 101, (2) the magneticstrap 101 and the magnetic beads 102, (3) the magnetic strap 101 and themagnetic material 103, (4) the magnetic strap 101, the magnetic beads102, and the magnetic material 103, or (5) the magnetic beads 102.

In some embodiments, only a subset of the cord management system 100 isused to secure a cord and prevent the cord from becoming tangled. Forexample, the end user may choose one of several options to secure thecord using: (1) the magnetic strap 101, (2) the magnetic strap 101 andthe magnetic beads 102, (3) the magnetic strap 101 and the magneticmaterial 103, (4) the magnetic strap 101, the magnetic beads 102, andthe magnetic material 103, or (5) the magnetic beads 102. These optionsare described below.

Note that although a magnet may be considered a magnetic material, amagnetic material is not necessarily a magnet. Specifically, a magneticmaterial is a material or composition that produces a magnetic field inresponse to an applied magnetic field (e.g., a magnetic field producedby a magnet). The magnetic material may include one or more of aferromagnetic material and a paramagnetic material.

Option 1 Magnetic Strap

In some embodiments, the end user uses the magnetic strap 101 to securea cord. As illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2E, a cord 201 is wrapped around themagnetic strap 101 substantially perpendicular to and/or otherwiseacross the magnetic strap 101 at any angle. In some embodiments, thecord 201 is a cord for earphones. Note that the term “earphones” is usedin this specification to refer to any device (e.g., headphones, earbuds, etc.) that an end user places on or in the ears to produce sounds.For example, the cord 201 may include speakers (e.g., ear buds) 202 and203, as illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2E. In some embodiments, the magneticstrap 101 is placed on an object and the cord 201 is wrapped around boththe object and the magnetic strap 101 in a direction substantiallyperpendicular to and/or across the length of the magnetic strap 101. Forexample, the object may be an electronic device 210, as illustrated inFIGS. 2A-2C. Similarly, the object may be a hand as illustrated in FIG.2D-2E.

In some embodiments, after a desired length of the cord 201 is wrappedaround the magnetic strap 101, the magnetic strap 101 is folded over toform a loop around the cord 201 to secure the cord 201 to the magneticstrap 101. These embodiments are illustrated in FIG. 2B (e.g., anelectronic device) and FIG. 2D (e.g., a hand). Once the magnetic strap101 is secured around the cord 201, the object can be stored in apocket, a bag, or a purse without the cord 201 becoming tangled orwithout the cord 201 becoming unwound from the object. In addition, oncethe magnetic strap 101 is secured around the cord 201, the magneticstrap 101 can be removed from the object and stored in a pocket, a bag,or a purse without the cord 201 becoming tangled or without the cord 201becoming unwound from the magnetic strap 101.

Although FIGS. 2B and 2D illustrate a cord that is completely secured bythe magnetic strap 101, the end user may choose to wrap only a portionof the cord 201 in the magnetic strap 101. For example, FIG. 2Gillustrates an end user 230 that is holding the electric device 210 withthe speakers 202 and 203 inserted in his ears. As illustrated in FIG.2G, the cord 201 is wound around the electronic device 210 and themagnetic strap 101 several times and is secured with the magnetic strap101. In this way, the end user 230 has reduced the length of the cord201 that is free and dangling. In other words, the length of the cord201 is such that the end user 230 can perform desired functions and movethe electronic device 210 without dislodging the speakers 202 and 203and without having too much slack on the cord 201.

In some embodiments, magnets located at magnetic attachment points 104and 105 on the magnetic strap 101 keep the magnetic strap 101 in theloop configuration when the magnetic strap 101 is folded over to formthe loop. Note that the magnetic attachment points 104 and 105 may bereplaced with other types of attachment mechanisms. For example, theattachment mechanism may include Velcro, adhesives, suction devices(e.g., suction cups), van der Waals force attachment mechanisms (e.g.,“Gecko” tape), snaps, buttons, friction mechanisms, buckles, springs,bistable springs (e.g., a slap bracelet), a sleeve that inserts into aslot, a peg that is inserted into a hole, and hinges.

In some cases, the end user may desire to remove the cord 201 from anelectronic device onto which the cord 201 is attached and store the cord201 separately from the electronic device. In these cases, it is highlydesirable to prevent the separated cord 201 from becoming tangled. Thus,in some embodiments, after the cord 201 is secured to the magnetic strap101, the magnetic strap 101 is removed from the object. Theseembodiments are illustrated in FIGS. 2C and 2F. Since the cord 201 issecured to the magnetic strap 101, removing the magnetic strap 101 fromthe object removes the cord 201 from the object. When the magnetic strap101 is removed from the object, the cord 201 remains looped around themagnetic strap 101. Thus, the cord 201 that is wrapped around themagnetic strap 101 does not become tangled when placed in a pocket, abag, or a purse.

In some cases, after wrapping the cord 201 around the electronic deviceso that the electronic device may be stored without the cord 201becoming tangled, the end user may wish to use the electronic deviceagain. Thus, in some embodiments, after the cord 201 is secured by themagnetic strap 101, the cord 201 is deployed from the magnetic strap101. In some embodiments, the cord 201 is deployed from the magneticstrap 101 by pulling the end of the cord 201 in a directionsubstantially parallel to the length of the magnetic strap. For example,FIGS. 2H, 2J, and 2K illustrate the deployment of the cord 201 when thecord 201 is wrapped around the electronic device 210. As illustrated inFIG. 2H, the end user pulls on the speakers 202 and 203 in a directionsubstantially parallel to the length of the magnetic strap 101. Asillustrated in FIG. 2J, the force that the end user exerts on the cord201 causes the magnetic strap 101 to detach from the loop and becomeopen. As the end user continues pulling on the cord 201, the cord 201unwinds from the electronic device 210, as illustrated in FIG. 2K. Notethat the user may stop unwinding the cord 201 from the electronic deviceat any time. For example, user may partially deploy the cord 201 andsecure the cord 201 using the magnetic strap 101 as illustrated in FIG.5A.

In some embodiments, the magnetic strap 101 is used to secure one ormore of: drapery, drapery cords, power cords, extension cords, hoses,ropes, kite strings, fishing lines, and the like.

Option 2 Magnetic Strap and Beads

Although the magnetic strap 101 may be used by itself as a cordmanagement system, other components may be added to the cord managementsystem to provide a different user experience. In some embodiments, thecord management system includes the magnetic strap 101 and one or moreof the magnetic beads 102. The magnetic beads 102 may be used forseveral purposes. In some embodiments, the magnetic beads 102 are usedto assist in the wrapping of the cord 201 around the electronic device210 and the magnetic strap 101. In some embodiments, the magnetic beads102 are used to keep the speakers 202 and 203 coupled to each other whenthe cord 201 is wrapped around the electronic device 210. In someembodiments, the magnetic beads 102 are used to secure the speakers 202and 203 to a predetermined point on the cord 201. In some embodiments,the magnetic beads 102 are used to secure excess cord after the cord 201is wrapped around the electronic device 210. In some embodiments, themagnetic beads 102 are used to secure the cord under the chin of an enduser. These embodiments are described below.

FIGS. 3A to 3E illustrates a process for managing a cord using themagnetic strap 101 and the magnetic beads 102, according to someembodiments. Note that the magnetic beads 102 may include one or more ofmagnetic beads 301, 302, 303, and 304, each having an embedded magnet,as described below. Also note that at least a subset of the magneticbeads 301, 302, 303, and 304 may be substituted for a magnetic materialthat is embedded in the magnetic beads 301, 302, 303, and 304.Furthermore, additional magnetic beads, above and beyond the magneticbeads 301, 302, 303, and 304, may be included in the cord managementsystem 100. Among other things, these additional magnetic beads may beused as replacements for lost magnetic beads.

As illustrated in FIG. 3A, a connector 204 of the cord 201 (and/or thecord 201) is inserted into a cord attachment mechanism 109 of themagnetic strap 101. Note that the term “connector” is used in thisspecification to refer to any type of connector or plug. For example,the connector 204 may be an electrical connector (e.g., an audioconnector, a video connector, a power connector, a computer connector,etc.) or non-electrical connector. The connector 204 of the cord 201 isthen attached to a corresponding connector 211 on the electronic device210. The magnetic strap 101 is then placed on the electronic device 210so that the length of the magnetic strap 101 is collinear with thedirection in which the connector 204 of the cord was inserted into thecorresponding connector 211 on the electronic device 210. As illustratedin FIG. 3A, the corresponding connector 211 on the electronic device 210is located at a top edge of the electronic device 210. Thus, in thiscase, the length of the magnetic strap 101 is parallel to the length ofthe electronic device 210. If, however, the corresponding connector 211of the electronic device 210 were located at a side edge of theelectronic device 210, the length of the magnetic strap 101 may run in adirection perpendicular to the direction illustrated in FIG. 3A or atanother angle other than the angle illustrated in FIG. 3A.

In some embodiments, a magnetic bead 301 is attached to the cord 201 ata predetermined location on the cord 201. In some embodiments, thepredetermined location is selected so that when the cord 201 is benttowards the magnetic attachment point 104, the magnetic bead 301 becomesmagnetically attached to the magnetic strap 101 at the magneticattachment point 104. Note that the term “magnetically attached” isdefined below. The magnetic bead 301 allows the end user to startwrapping the cord 201 around the electronic device and the magneticstrap 101 without needing to hold the cord 201 onto the magnetic strap101 or the electronic device 210, as illustrated in FIG. 3B. Note thatthese embodiments are optional. Although FIGS. 3B-3E illustrate themagnetic bead 301 attached to the cord 201, the magnetic bead 301 may beomitted. For example, an experienced end user may be able to startwrapping the cord 201 around the magnetic strap 101 and the electronicdevice 210 without the aid of the magnetic bead 301 and without needingto hold the cord 201 onto the magnetic strap 101 or the electronicdevice 210.

The cord 201 is then wrapped around the magnetic strap 101 and theelectronic device 210, as illustrated in FIGS. 3C-3E. In someembodiments, the cord 201 is wrapped around the magnetic strap 101substantially perpendicular to a length of the magnetic strap 101. Notethat if the length of the magnetic strap 101 runs in a directionperpendicular to the direction or at an angle other than the angleillustrated in FIGS. 3A-3E, the cord 201 is wrapped around the length ofthe electronic device 210 so that the cord 201 is substantiallyperpendicular to the magnetic strap 101.

FIG. 3D illustrates the cord 201 after it has been wrapped around theelectronic device 210. In some embodiments, magnetic beads 302 and 303are attached on the cords for the speakers 202 and 203 at apredetermined distance from the speakers 202 and 203. In someembodiments, one of the magnets 302 and 303 is substituted for magneticmaterial. In some embodiments, the magnets of the speakers 202 and 203are used in lieu of the magnets 302 and 303. In some embodiments, themagnetic beads 302 and 303 are magnetically attached to each other sothat the speakers 202 and 203 are coupled to each other. By magneticallyattaching the magnetic beads 302 and 303 to each other, the cord foreach of the speakers 202 and 203 has a reduced likelihood of becomingtangled with each other or with other parts of the cord 201. Thepredetermined distance may be selected so that the magnetic beads 302and 303 are located on the cords just below the speakers 202 and 203, asillustrated in FIG. 3D. As illustrated in FIG. 3E, after the magneticstrap 101 is folded over to form the loop, the free end of the cord 201(i.e., the end attached to the speakers 202 and 203) may be allowed todangle freely. As illustrated in FIG. 3F, after the magnetic strap 101is folded over to form the loop, the free end of the cord 201 may befolded over so that the magnetic beads 302 and 303 are magneticallyattached to the magnetic attachment point 105. As illustrated in FIG.3F, the speakers 202 and 203 no longer dangle.

In some instances, after the magnetic strap 101 is folded over into theloop configuration, there may be a portion of the cord 201 that is notsecured by the magnetic strap 101 (i.e., a portion of the cord from themagnetic strap 101 to the speakers 202 and 203). If the portion of thecord 201 that is not secured by the magnetic strap 101 is long, the cord201 may become caught on other objects (such as when placed in a pocket,a bag, or a purse). For example, the final wrap of the cord 201 mayplace the speakers 202 and 203 on front side of the electronic device210 (i.e., the opposite side of the electronic device 210 illustrated inFIG. 3E). To address these cases, in some embodiments, a magnetic bead304 is attached on the cord 201 so that when the cord 201 is wrappedaround the electronic device 210, the magnetic bead 304 is located onthe front side of the electronic device 210. These embodiments areillustrated in FIG. 3G. The magnetic beads 302 and 303 are thenmagnetically attached to the magnetic bead 304. Note that the end usermay slide and/or otherwise readjust the magnetic beads 302 and 303 upand down the cord 201 so that the magnetic beads 302, 303, and 304 canbe magnetically attached to each other. Although the speakers 202 and203 may still dangle, the amount of the cord 201 that is dangling can bereduced.

In some cases, the end user may not wish to fold over the cord 201 tosecure the free end of the cord 201 (e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 3F).In these cases, the magnetic bead 304 may be attached on the cord 201 sothat when the cord 201 is wrapped around the electronic device 210, themagnetic bead 304 is located on the back side of the electronic device210, as illustrated in FIG. 3H. The magnetic beads 302 and 303 are thenmagnetically attached to the magnetic bead 304. Note that the end usermay slide the magnetic beads 302 and 303 up and down the cord 201 sothat the magnetic beads 302, 303, and 304 can be magnetically attachedto each other. Although the speakers 202 and 203 may still dangle, theamount of the cord 201 that is dangling can be reduced.

In some cases, the end user may not wish to use the magnetic strap 101to secure the cord. In these cases, the end user may magnetically attachthe magnetic beads 302 and 303 to magnetic material that is attached tothe electronic device 210. The use of magnetic material in conjunctionwith the electronic device 210 is described in more detail below.

In some embodiments, the end user slides the magnetic beads 302 and 304so that free end of the cord 201 does not slide back through the loop(e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 3J). In some embodiments, the end userwraps a portion of the free end of the cord 201 over itself (e.g., in ashape of a bow tie, as illustrated in FIG. 3K) so that the amount of thecord 201 that is left dangling is reduced. The end user then secures thewrapped portion of the free end of the cord 201 using the magnetic strap101 as illustrated in FIG. 3K.

When deploying the cord 201, the magnetic strap 101 flips back to theopen position (i.e., the magnetic strap 101 lays substantially flat onthe electronic device 210), as illustrated in FIGS. 2J and 2K.

Note that the dimensions of the magnetic strap 101 may be selected toaccommodate cords of varying lengths and thicknesses. The dimensions ofthe magnetic strap 101 are also selected to accommodate objects (e.g.,portable electronic devices, etc.) of varying sizes. FIGS. 20A to 20Eillustrate a process for managing a cord, according to some embodiments.The process illustrated in FIGS. 20A to 20E is similar to the processillustrated in FIGS. 3A to 3E, except that the magnetic strap 101 isattached to an electronic device 2001 having a different shape and sizeas compared to the electronic device 210.

As illustrated in FIG. 20A, the connector 2006 is attached to theelectronic device 2001. The cord 2005 (e.g., the cord 201) is thenwrapped around the magnetic strap 101 and the electronic device 2001, asillustrated in FIGS. 20B-20D. In some embodiments, the cord 2005 iswrapped around the magnetic strap 101 substantially perpendicular toand/or otherwise across the magnetic strap 101 at any angle.

In some embodiments, the magnetic bead 2013 (e.g., the magnetic bead301) is first magnetically attached to the magnet of the magnetic strap101 before the cord 2005 is wrapped around the magnetic strap 101 andthe electronic device 2001. These embodiments are illustrated in FIG.20B. By magnetically coupling the magnetic bead 2013 to the magneticstrap 101, a user does not need to hold the cord 2005 to the electronicdevice 2001 or to the magnetic strap 101 while wrapping the cord 2005around the electronic device 2001.

FIG. 20D illustrates the cord 2005 after it has been wrapped around theelectronic device 2001. Note that in FIG. 20D, the cords for thespeakers 2011 and 2012 do not include magnetic beads. Therefore, thespeakers 2011 and 2012 are not coupled to each other and hang freely, asillustrated in FIGS. 20D and 20E.

In some embodiments, after the cord 2005 has been wrapped around theelectronic device 2001, the magnetic strap 101 is formed into a loop(i.e., the first mode of operation). These embodiments are illustratedin FIGS. 20D, 20E, and 21A.

When deploying the cord 2005, the magnetic strap 101 flips back to theopen position (i.e., the magnetic strap 101 lays substantially flat onthe electronic device 210. This process for deploying the cord 2005 fromthe electronic device 2001 is illustrated in FIGS. 21A-21C, according tosome embodiments. In FIG. 21A, a user grabs the speakers (or the cord2005 near the speakers) and pulls the cord 2005 in a directionsubstantially parallel to the length of the magnetic strap 101. Theforce that the cord 2005 exerts against the magnets at the magneticattachment points 104 and 105 causes the magnets to be detached fromeach other, as illustrated in FIG. 21B. In FIG. 21C, the cord 2005 isfully deployed from the magnetic strap 101.

Although the discussion above describes deploying a wrapped cord fromthe magnetic strap 101 by pulling on the cord in a directionsubstantially parallel to the length of the magnetic strap 101, in someembodiments, a wrapped cord is deployed from the magnetic strap 101 bypulling on the cord in a direction not parallel to the length of themagnetic strap 101. For example, if the magnetic strap 101 is detachedfrom the electronic devices 210 and 2001, a user may deploy a wrappedcord by pulling in a direction perpendicular to the length of themagnetic strap. Alternatively, the user may also pull the magneticattachment points 104 and 105 away from each other by pulling on thestrap directly.

In some embodiments, the magnetic beads 302 and 303 are used to securethe cord 201 when the cord 201 is deployed. For example, FIG. 5Aillustrates an end user 501 using the cord 201 with the electronicdevice 210, according to some embodiments. As illustrated in FIG. 5A,the cord 201 includes a cord segment 204 coupled to the speaker 202 anda cord segment 205 coupled to the speaker 203. Note that cord segments204 and 205 may also be referred to as speaker cords. The cord segments204 and 205 are coupled to the cord 201 at point 206. When the speakers202 and 203 are inserted into the ears of the end user 501, the cordsegments 204 and 205 may dangle loosely. If the end user is movingaround (e.g., running, walking, etc.), the cord segments 204 and 205 mayswing around and get caught in clothing and/or become dislodged from theears of end user 501. To prevent the cord segments 204 and 205 fromdangling, the magnetic beads 302 and 303 are moved to a position belowthe chin of the end user 501 and are magnetically coupled to each other,as illustrated in FIG. 5B. In the configuration illustrated in FIG. 5B,the end user 501 may slide the magnetic beads 302 and 303 up and downthe cord segments 204 and 205 to adjust the amount of the cord segments204 and 205 that are unsecured.

Although FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate a partially-deployed cord 201, thecord 201 may also be fully-deployed. The fully-deployed cord isillustrated in FIGS. 5C and 5D, which are analogous to FIGS. 5A and 5B,respectively.

In some embodiments, at least one of the magnetic beads 301, 302, 303,and 304 include a clip that allows the magnetic bead to be clipped ontoan object. For example, the object may be clothing (e.g., a shirt, apants pocket, etc.) or a purse strap.

Option 3 Magnetic Strap and Magnetic Material

In some embodiments, to assist in the deployment of the cord 201, themagnetic material 103 is attached to the back of the electronic device210 so that when the magnetic strap 101 is in the open position, themagnetic attachment point 105 of the magnetic strap 101 is magneticallyattached to the magnetic material 103. These embodiments are illustratedin FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C. In FIG. 4A, an end user grabs the speakers andpulls the cord 201 in a direction substantially parallel to the lengthof the magnetic strap 101. The force that the cord 201 exerts againstthe magnets at the magnetic attachment points 104 and 105 causes themagnets to be detached from each other so that the magnetic strap 101 nolonger forms the loop, as illustrated in FIG. 4B. The force that thecord 201 exerts against the magnets causes the magnetic strap 101 toreturn to its natural configuration (e.g., the flat configuration). Themagnetic strap 101 is also magnetically attracted to the magneticmaterial 103, thereby assisting in the deployment of the magnetic strap101. In other words, the magnetic force between the magnetic attachmentpoint 105 of the magnetic strap 101 and the magnetic material 103 pullsthe magnetic attachment point 105 towards the magnetic material 103. Themagnetic material 103 also holds the magnetic strap 101 to theelectronic device 210 so that the strap does not move while in the openposition. In FIG. 4C, the cord 201 is fully deployed from the magneticstrap 101. After the cord 201 is fully deployed, the end user may foldthe strap over, as illustrated in FIG. 4D.

In some embodiments, the magnetic material 103 is attached to theelectronic device 210 so that when the magnetic strap 101 is in the openposition, the magnetic attachment point 104 of the magnetic strap 101 ismagnetically attached to the magnetic material 103. These embodimentsare used to attach the magnetic strap 101 to the electronic device 210when the magnetic strap 101 is folded into the loop configuration.

Note that the magnetic material may be attached to the electronic device210 using adhesives, suction devices (e.g., suction cups), Velcro, vander Waals force attachment mechanisms (e.g., “Gecko” tape), snaps,buttons, and the like. Also note that the magnetic material may bemolded into the electronic device 210, a back panel of the electronicdevice 210, and/or a case or a skin for the electronic device 210.Furthermore, that the magnetic material may be substituted for anadhesive applied to either or both of the electronic device 210 and/orthe magnetic strap 101, suction devices (e.g., suction cups) attached toeither or both of the electronic device 210 and/or the magnetic strap101, Velcro attached to both the electronic device 210 and the magneticstrap 101, van der Waals force attachment mechanisms (e.g., “Gecko”tape) attached to either or both of the electronic device 210 and/or themagnetic strap 101, snaps attached to either or both of the electronicdevice 210 and/or the magnetic strap 101, buttons attached to either orboth of the electronic device 210 and/or the magnetic strap 101, andhinges attached to either or both of the electronic device 210 and/orthe magnetic strap 101.

Option 4 Magnetic Strap, Magnetic Beads, and Magnetic Material

In some embodiments, the cord management system 100 includes themagnetic strap 101, the magnetic beads 102, and the magnetic material103. The various embodiments described above may be used in combinationto secure the cord 201.

The design and the composition of magnetic strap 101, the magnetic beads102, and the magnetic material 103 are described in more detail below.

Option 5 Magnetic Beads

In some embodiments, the cord management system 100 includes themagnetic beads 102. In these embodiments, the magnetic beads areattached to the cord 201 at locations so that when the cord 201 iswrapped around an object (e.g., the electronic device 210), two or moremagnetic beads at different locations on the cord 201 are magneticallyattached to each other so that the cord 201 cannot become unwrapped fromthe object. For example, FIG. 3G illustrates magnetic beads 302, 303,and 304 (all of which are located at different locations on the cord201) are magnetically attached to each other.

Magnetic Straps

FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 6C illustrate top, perspective and side views,respectively, of a magnetic strap 601, according to some embodiments.Note that the magnetic strap 601 is one particular embodiment of themagnetic strap 101 described above. In some embodiments, the magneticstrap 601 includes a magnet 602 at a location 604 on the magnetic strap601 and a magnet 603 at a location 605 on the magnetic strap 601. Themagnets 602 and 603 may include any element or composition that iscapable of producing a magnetic field. For example, the magnets 602 and603 may include one or more of magnetic metallic elements (e.g., iron,cobalt, nickel, etc.), composite magnets (e.g., ceramic or ferritemagnets, alnico magnets, ticonal magnets, injection molded magnets,flexible magnets), rare earth magnets (e.g., samarium-cobalt magnets,neodymium-iron-boron magnets, etc.), electromagnets, sets of any ofthese magnets, or any material or composition that produces a magneticfield. In some embodiments, the magnets 602 and 603 are Neodymiummagnets. In some embodiments, the Neodymium magnets are a grade N42.

In some embodiments, the magnetic strap 601 includes only one magnet anda magnetic material. For example, the magnetic strap 601 may include themagnet 602 at the location 604 and a magnetic material at the location605. Alternatively, the magnetic strap 601 may include a magneticmaterial at the location 604 and the magnet 603 at the location 605.Note that a magnetic material is a material or composition that producesa magnetic field in response to an applied magnetic field. The magneticmaterial may include one or more of a ferromagnetic material and aparamagnetic material. In some embodiments, the magnetic material islow-carbon steel. Also note that this specification refers to themagnets 602 and 603 as “magnets” even though one of the magnets 602 and603 may be a magnetic material. Furthermore, any combination of magnetsand magnetic material that allows for the magnetic attachments describedherein to function may be used.

In some embodiments, the magnets 602 and 603 are solid magnets. In someembodiments, the magnets 602 and 603 are selected from the groupconsisting of donut (ring) magnets, horseshoe-shaped (U-shaped) magnets,cylindrical magnets, disc-shaped magnets, rectangular magnets, and thelike. In some embodiments, the magnets 602 and 603 are sets of magnets.The selection of the size and shape of the magnets 602 and 603 maydepend on factors including, but not limited to, a desired magneticstrength, a desired form factor, a desired aesthetic, and themanufacturing process used to produce the magnetic strap 601.

In some embodiments, the magnets 602 and 603 are embedded in themagnetic strap 601. In these embodiments, the magnets 602 and 603 areeither enclosed or partially enclosed by the material that forms themagnetic strap 601. As illustrated in FIG. 6C, the material that formsthe magnetic strap 601 forms a gradual contour around the magnets 602and 603. The contour formed by the material of the magnetic strap 601around the magnets 602 and 603 may conform to the shape of the magneticstrap 601. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 6A-6C, the materialenclosing the magnets 602 and 603 forms a rectangular region. Thisrectangular region serves at least two purposes: to hold the magnets 602and 603 in place and to provide a flat surface onto which the magnets602 and 603 can be magnetically attached to each other. Note that theflat surface allows the magnets 602 and 603 to be magnetically attachedto each other better than a surface that is not flat (e.g., a crownedsurface).

In some embodiments, the magnets 602 and 603 are configured so thatopposite magnetic poles of each magnet are perpendicular to the top (orbottom) surface of the magnetic strap 601. For example, the north poleof the magnet 602 is configured to be perpendicular to a first surfaceof the magnetic strap 601 whereas the south pole of the magnet 603 isconfigured to be perpendicular to the first surface of the magneticstrap 601. In other embodiments, and as noted above, only one of themagnets 602 and 603 is a magnet and the other magnet is a magneticmaterial. Again, any combination of magnets and magnetic material thatallows for the magnetic attachments described herein to function may beused.

In some embodiments, the magnetic strap 601 includes a segment 606 thatis located between the magnets 602 and 603. In some embodiments, thesegment 606 also includes the portion of the magnetic strap 601 thatincludes the magnets 602 and 603. In some embodiments, the segment 606is composed of a material that is substantially memoryless. In someembodiments, the memoryless material is an elastic polymer. A materialthat is memoryless is a material that does not exhibit elastichysteresis, which causes a material to behave differently when a loadingforce that was exerted on the material is removed. In the case of amaterial that does not have elastic hysteresis, the application of aloading force and a subsequent removal of the loading force does notcause the material to “remember” that the material was previouslyloaded. Thus, the material returns to its original shape and/orconfiguration when the loading force is removed. In some embodiments,the segment 606 is composed of a memoryless material that causes themagnetic strap 601 to return to a substantially flat configuration whenunloaded (or when the loading force is less than a restoring force ofthe memoryless material). These embodiments are illustrated in FIGS.6A-6C. Note that when an external force is applied to the memorylessmaterial, the memoryless material generates a restoring force thatopposes the external force. In other words, the restoring force tries tokeep the memoryless material in its natural configuration (e.g., a flatconfiguration). For example, consider the application of an externalforce to the segment 606 that causes the segment 606 to form a loop.When the external force is removed, the segment 606 returns to itsnatural configuration (e.g., as illustrated in FIGS. 6A-6C). In someembodiments, the restoring force is a function of the displacement(e.g., stretching, bending, etc.) of the memoryless material. In theseembodiments, the external force required to change the configuration ofthe memoryless material varies as a function of the displacement.

In some embodiments, the segment 606 is composed of a polymer. In someembodiments, the polymer is selected from the group consisting ofsilicone and an elastomer (e.g., thermoplastic elastomer). In someembodiments, the polymer is resistant to dust. These polymers may beused in manufacturing processes such as injection molding, casting,compression molding, and die cutting. The type of manufacturing processselected may depend on factors such as a desired manufacturing volume,manufacturing time, and manufacturing costs. Additionally, the type ofmanufacturing process selected may depend on a desired aesthetic designof the magnetic strap 601. For example, if the aesthetic design of themagnetic strap 601 requires that the magnets 602-603 are to beencapsulated in the material of the magnetic strap 601, an injectionmolding process may be used. In some embodiments, a two-shot injectionmolding process is used to manufacture the magnetic strap 601.

In some embodiments, the segment 606 is composed of a fabric. Forexample, the fabric may be a Neoprene fabric, leather, silk, cotton,denim, foil, Mylar, and the like.

In some embodiments, the magnetic strap 601 includes a segment 607. Insome embodiments, the segment 607 includes the portion of the magneticstrap 601 that includes the magnet 603. In some embodiments, the segment607 is composed of an elastic material. The elastic polymer may be anyof the polymers discussed above with respect to the segment 606. In someembodiments, the segment 607 is composed of a fabric (e.g. Neoprene).

In some embodiments, the segment 607 includes a handle 610. In someembodiments, the handle 610 is formed from the same material as thesegment 607. The handle 610 is a raised portion or high friction ofmaterial of the magnetic strap 601 that allows a user to grab onto theend of the magnetic strap 601 while attaching the magnetic strap 601 toa cord (or connector) using the cord-attachment mechanism 609. Withoutthe handle 610, the fingers of the end user may slip off of the magneticstrap 601 while attaching the magnetic strap 601 to a cord (and/or aconnector of the cord) using the cord-attachment mechanism 609. A highfriction surface for the handle 610 may be created

In some embodiments, the magnetic strap 601 includes a segment 608. Insome embodiments, the segment 608 includes the portion of the magneticstrap 601 that includes the magnet 602. In some embodiments, the segment608 is composed of an elastic material. In some embodiments, the elasticmaterial is an elastic polymer. The elastic polymer may be any of thepolymers discussed above with respect to the segment 606. In someembodiments, the segment 608 is composed of a fabric (e.g., Neoprene).

In some embodiments, the segments 606, 607, and 608 are composed of thesame polymer. In some embodiments, the segments 606, 607, and 608 arecomposed of different, but compatible, polymers. In some embodiments,the segment 608 is composed of a fabric.

In some embodiments, the segment 607 includes a cord-attachmentmechanism 609 that is used to attach the magnetic strap 601 to a cord(and/or a connector of the cord). The cord attachment mechanism isdescribed in more detail below with respect to FIGS. 10 and 11.

In some embodiments, the magnetic strap 601 operates in at least twomodes of operation, as described above. In a first mode of operation,the magnets 602 and 603 are magnetically attached to each other so thatthe segment 606 of the magnetic strap 601 located between the magnets602 and 603 forms a loop configured to secure a cord that is wrappedaround the magnetic strap 601 (e.g., see FIG. 2B). In the first mode ofoperation, the attractive magnetic force between the magnets 602 and 603is greater than any restoring force exerted by the material of themagnetic strap 601 that causes the magnetic strap 601 to return to itsnatural configuration (e.g., flat configuration). Thus, the segment 606remains in a loop until an external force is applied to the segment 606that causes the magnets 602 and 603 to be magnetically detached and/orotherwise separated from each other. In a second mode of operation, themagnets 602 and 603 are magnetically detached and/or otherwise separatedfrom each other (e.g., the magnets 602 and 603 are no longer attached toeach other). For example, in the second mode of operation, the magneticstrap 601 may be substantially flat (e.g., see FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 6C).

Note that the term “magnetically attached,” when applied to two magnets,refers to two magnets being attached to each other by an attractivemagnetic force between the two magnets. In contrast, the term“magnetically detached,” when applied to two magnets, refers to twomagnets that are no longer attached to each other. Although the twomagnets may no longer be magnetically attached to each other, the twomagnets may still be “magnetically coupled” to each other. In otherwords, each magnet may feel a magnetic force generated by the magneticfield of the other magnet. This magnetic force is a function of thedistance between the two magnets. Thus, in some embodiments, thestrength of the magnets 602 and 603 are selected so that the magneticforce between the magnets 602 and 603 is greater than any restoringforce exerted by the material of the magnetic strap only when themagnets 602 and 603 are a predefined distance from each other. When themagnets 602 and 603 are at a distance greater than the predefineddistance from each other, the magnetic force between the magnets 602 and603 is less than the restoring force exerted by the material. Thus, themagnetic strap 601 returns to its natural configuration (e.g., the flatconfiguration illustrated in FIGS. 6A-6C). When the magnets 602 and 603are at a distance less than or equal to the predefined distance fromeach other, the magnetic force between the magnets 602 and 603 exceedsthe restoring force exerted by the material. Thus, the magnets 602 and603 are drawn to each other and become magnetically attached to eachother.

Also note that this specification refers to two magnets (or magnets andmagnetic materials) being “magnetically attached” to each other even ifthe magnets are separated by intermediary materials. For example, eventhough the material of the magnetic strap 601 (e.g., an elastic polymer)may enclose the magnets 602 and 603, the magnets 602 and 603 aremagnetically attached to each other when the surface(s) of materialenclosing the magnets 602 and 603 touch each other.

In some embodiments, the second mode of operation is used when deploying(e.g., unwrapping) a cord that is wrapped around the magnetic strap 601.These embodiments are discussed above with respect to FIGS. 2H-2K.

In some embodiments, the second mode of operation is used when wrappinga cord around the magnetic strap 601. In some embodiments, the cord iswrapped substantially perpendicular to and/or otherwise across themagnetic strap 601 at any angle (e.g., see FIGS. 2A-2B).

In some embodiments, the second mode of operation is used when a useruses the cord. For example, if the cord is a cord for headphones and themagnetic strap 601 is attached to a music player, the user may use thedeployed cord to listen to music.

In some embodiments, the length of the segment 607 and the location ofthe cord-attachment mechanism 609 within the segment 607 are selected sothat when the magnetic strap 601 is placed on an object, the segment 606lies flat on a surface of the object (e.g., a portable electronicdevice) (e.g., see FIG. 2A).

In some embodiments, the length of the magnetic strap 601 is selectedbased on one or more of: a range of lengths of cords that are to besecured using the magnetic strap 601, a range of thicknesses of cordsthat are to be secured using the magnetic strap 601, a number of timesthe cord will wrap around the magnetic strap 601, dimensions of objectson which the magnetic strap 601 is to be placed, the location of themagnets 602 and/or 603, whether a case is used, and a number of timesthe cord will wrap around the magnetic strap 601 and an object (and acase for the object). In some embodiments, the minimum length of themagnetic strap 601 is 1.5 inches. In some embodiments, the length of themagnetic strap 601 is between 1.5 inches and 3.19 inches. In someembodiments, the length of the magnetic strap 601 is 3.02 inches.

Note that the width of the magnetic strap 601 is typically bounded bythe minimum manufacturable width of the material used in the magneticstrap 601. However, the actual width used for the magnetic strap 601 istypically selected to be at least the size (e.g., the diameter) of themagnets 602 and 603 in embodiments in which the magnets are embedded inthe magnetic strap 601. In embodiments in which the magnets 602 and 603are attached to the magnetic strap 601 by other means, the magneticstrap 601 may be narrower than the magnets 602 and 603. The width of themagnetic strap 601 also affects the resistance of the magnetic strap 601to twisting (or torsional) forces about a longitudinal axis (i.e., thelength) of the magnetic strap 601. For example, if the magnetic strap601 is wider, the magnetic strap 601 has less tendency to twist (e.g.,when deploying a cord). In some embodiments, the width of the magneticstrap 601 is between 0.25 inches and 0.52 inches. In some embodiments,the width of the magnetic strap 601 is 0.51 inches. In some embodiments,the width of the magnetic strap 601 is at least 0.25 inches.

The thickness of the magnetic strap 601 is typically bounded by theminimum manufacturable thickness of the material used in the magneticstrap 601. The thickness of the magnetic strap 601 also affects theresistance of the magnetic strap 601 to twisting (or torsional) forcesabout a longitudinal axis (i.e., the length) of the magnetic strap 601.For example, if the magnetic strap 601 is wider, the magnetic strap 601has less tendency to twist (e.g., when deploying a cord). In someembodiments, the thickness of the magnetic strap 601 is between 0.01inches and 0.19 inches. In some embodiments, the minimum thickness ofthe magnetic strap 601 is 0.01 inches. In some embodiments, thethickness of the magnetic strap 601 in the center of the segment 606 is0.06 inches. In some embodiments, the thickness of the magnetic strap601 enclosing the magnets 602 and 603 is 0.11 inches.

In some embodiments, the strength of the magnets 602 and 603 areselected to provide a predefined attractive magnetic force between themagnets 602 and 603 when the magnet 602 is magnetically attached to themagnet 603. When the magnet 602 is magnetically attached to the magnet603 and a decoupling force (e.g., an external force) that is less thanthe predefined threshold is exerted against the predefined attractivemagnetic force between the magnets 602 and 603, the magnets remainsmagnetically attached to each other. When the magnet 602 is magneticallyattached to the magnet 603 and a decoupling force that is greater thanor equal to the predefined threshold is exerted against the predefinedattractive magnetic force between the magnets, the magnets aremagnetically detached from each other.

The predefined threshold is a function of several factors. These factorsinclude the strengths, size, number, shape, and surface area of themagnets 602 and 603, the material of the magnetic strap 601, and thetype of decoupling force exerted against the magnets 602 and 603. Thestrengths of the magnets 602 and 603 determine the strength of theattractive magnetic force between the magnets 602 and 603. As describedabove, the strength of the attractive magnetic force between the magnets602 and 603 is a function of the distance between the magnets 602 and603. Thus, the closer the magnets 602 and 603 are to each other, thestronger the attractive magnetic force. The material of the magneticstrap 601, the material of the cord wrapped within the magnetic strap601, the length of the cord, the diameter of the cord, and the number ofloops of the cord that are wrapped within the magnetic strap 601, andthe thickness of the magnetic strap 601 determine the magnitude of therestoring force. As described above, the magnitude of the restoringforce may be a function of the displacement of the material. Forexample, the restoring force may be greater when the material of themagnetic strap is folded over so that the magnets 602 and 603 aremagnetically attached to each other than if the material were only bentslightly. The type of decoupling force exerted against the magnets 602and 603 may include an impulse force (or a force applied during a shortbut finite time interval) and a continuous force that is either constantor variable.

For a decoupling force that is continuously exerted against theattractive magnetic force between the magnets 602 and 603, thedecoupling force required to detach the magnets 602 and 603 so that theydo not become magnetically attached again is a function of the distancebetween the magnets 602 and 603 and of the restoring force of thematerial of the magnetic strap 601. As the distance between the magnets602 and 603 increases, the attractive magnetic force decreases and thedecoupling force required is decreased. When a predetermined distancebetween the magnets 602 and 603 is reached, the restoring force of thematerial of the magnetic strap 601 exceeds the attractive magneticforce. At this point, the magnets 602 and 603, while still magneticallycoupled to each other, cannot pull the magnets 602 and 603 backtogether. Accordingly, the decoupling force is no longer necessarybecause the restoring force of the material of the magnetic strap 601causes the magnetic strap 601 to return to its natural configuration. Anexample of a decoupling force that is continuously exerted is a forcethat is generated by a hand that is pulling the magnets 602 and 603apart from each other.

For a decoupling force that is an impulse (or that is applied during ashort but finite time interval) exerted against the attractive magneticforce between the magnets 602 and 603, the decoupling force required todetach the magnets 602 and 603 so that they do not become magneticallyattached again must impart at least enough momentum to the magnets 602and/or 603 such that distance between the magnets 602 and 603 reachesthe predetermined distance at which the restoring force of the materialof the magnetic strap 601 exceeds the attractive magnetic force. Forexample, consider a decoupling force that is an impulse that does notimpart enough momentum to the magnets 602 and/or 603 such that thedistance between the magnets 602 and 603 reaches the predetermineddistance. After the decoupling force is applied and the magnets 602 and603 are detached from each other, the attractive magnetic force betweenthe magnets 602 and 603 act against the imparted momentum and slows theparting magnets 602 and 603 until the momentum of the magnets 602 and/or603 reaches zero. Since the magnets 602 and 603 have not reached thepredetermined distance by the time the momentum of the magnets 602and/or 603 reaches zero, the attractive magnetic force pulls the magnets602 and 603 back toward each other so that they become magneticallyattached again. An example of a decoupling force that is an impulse is aforce generated when a wrapped cord is pulled away from the magneticstrap 601 (e.g., see FIGS. 2H-2K).

In some embodiments, each of the magnets 602 and 603 are Neodymiumdonut-shaped magnets having a grade of N42, an outer diameter of 0.375inches, an inner diameter of 0.125 inches, and a thickness of 0.0625inches. In some embodiments, the thickness of the magnets 602 and 603 isbetween 0.0625 inches and 0.2 inches. In some embodiments, the diameterof the magnets 602 and 603 are between 0.3 inches and 0.375 inches. Notethat the combination of the grade (i.e., the composition of materials,wherein a higher number for the grade indicates a higher magneticstrength per unit volume), the diameters, the shape, and the thicknessof a magnet determines the magnetic strength of the magnet. The magneticstrength of a larger magnet (e.g., larger surface area, diameter, and/orthickness) having a lower grade (e.g., lower “N” number) may havegreater magnetic strength than a smaller magnet with a higher grade. Forexample, Neodymium magnets have the following grades, ordered fromlowest to highest strength, N28, N30, N33, N35, N38, N40, N42, N45, N48,N50, and N52. A large N28 magnet may be stronger than a small N52magnet. Also note that the effective magnetic strength of the magnetsmay be affected by the properties of the material of the magnetic strap601. For example, if the magnets 602 and 603 are encapsulated in athicker material, the effective magnetic strength of the magnets 602 and603 is reduced. Similarly, if the magnets 602 and 603 are encapsulatedin a material that suppresses or otherwise impedes a portion of themagnetic fields from the magnets 602 and 603, the effective magneticstrength of the magnets 602 and 603 is reduced. Furthermore, note thatthe selection of the magnetic strength of the magnets 602 and 603 alsodepends on the elasticity of the material used for the magnetic strap601. For example, when a less elastic material (i.e., a more rigidmaterial) is used in the magnetic strap 601, the restoring force of theelastic material is greater (i.e., the material is more rigid andresists changes to its natural configuration) and stronger magnets arerequired to hold the magnets 602 and 603 together.

In some embodiments, each of the magnets 602 and 603 are Neodymiumstep-shaped (e.g., step-layered) magnets.

In some embodiments, the location and the distance of the magnets 602and 603 on the magnetic strap 601 is determined based at least in parton the length of the strap, the type of objects onto which the magneticstrap is to be used, the elasticity of the material of the magneticstrap 601, and a length of a cord. In some embodiments, the minimumdistance between the magnets 602 and 603 on the magnetic strap 601 is0.5 inches. In some embodiments, the distance between the magnets 602and 603 is between 0.5 inches to 2.1 inches. In some embodiments, thedistance between the magnets 602 and 603 is 1.38 inches.

In some embodiments, the durometer (i.e., the hardness, also referred toas the “Shore durometer”) of the material of the magnetic strap 601 isat least 10. In some embodiments, the durometer of the material of themagnetic strap 601 in the segments 607 and 608 is 40 and the durometerof the material of the magnetic strap 601 in the segment 606 is 60. Insome embodiments, the durometer of the material of the magnetic strap601 in the segments 607 and 608 is 20 and the durometer of the materialof the magnetic strap 601 in the segment 606 is 60. In some embodiments,the durometer of the material of the magnetic strap 601 in the segments607 and 608 is 20 and the durometer of the material of the magneticstrap 601 in the segment 606 is 40.

Thus, the selection of material for the magnetic strap 601 (e.g., thesegments 606-608) and the selection of the strengths, size, number, thedistance between the magnets 602 and 603, shape, and surface area of themagnets 602 and 603 depends on the aforementioned factors. Furthermore,the selection of the materials for the magnetic strap 601 and thestrengths of the magnets 602 and 603 are based on factors including theease of deployment of the cord (e.g., the amount of force required tofree the cord from the magnetic strap 601, etc.) and the prevention ofthe accidental deployment of the cord (e.g., from jostling in a bag or apurse, a pocket, etc.).

In some embodiments, the location 605 is selected so that when aconnector for a cord is inserted into the cord-attachment mechanism 609and the connector is inserted into an electronic device, the magneticstrap 601 lies substantially flat on the electronic device.

Note that although the discussion of the magnetic strap 601 refers tothe magnet 602 and the magnet 603, each of the magnets 602 and 603 mayinclude a set of magnets. Also note that, one of the magnets 602 and 603may be replaced with a magnetic material, as described above. In someembodiments, the magnet 602 and the magnet 603 are replaced with anattachment mechanism selected from the group consisting of Velcro,adhesives, suction cups, and a van der Waals force attachment mechanism.

FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C illustrate top, perspective, and side views,respectively, of a magnetic strap 701, according to some embodiments.The magnetic strap 701 is similar to the magnetic strap 601, so only thedifferences are discussed. The magnetic strap 701 includes a magnet 702at a location 704 on the magnetic strap 701 and a magnet 703 at alocation 705 on the magnetic strap 701. The magnetic strap 701 alsoincludes a cord-attachment mechanism 709.

In some embodiments, the magnets 702 and 703 are embedded in themagnetic strap 701. In these embodiments, the magnets 702 and 703 areeither enclosed or partially enclosed by the material that forms themagnetic strap 701. As illustrated in FIG. 7C, the material that formsthe magnetic strap 701 forms a gradual contour around the magnets 702and 703. The contour formed by the material of the magnetic strap 701around the magnets 702 and 703 may conform to the shape of the magneticstrap 701. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 7A-7C, the materialenclosing the magnets 702 and 703 forms a gradual contour from thecenter of the magnets 702 and 703 to the center of the segment 706.Thus, in contrast to the flat surface above the magnets 602 and 603illustrated in FIGS. 6A-6C, a crown is formed at the center of themagnets 702 and 703. Although the crown may be more aestheticallyappealing, the crown reduces the surface area on which the magnets 702and 703 can be magnetically attached to each other such that magnets ofgreater magnetic strength may be required.

In some embodiments, the magnetic strap 701 includes a segment 706 thatis located between the magnets 702 and 703. In some embodiments, thesegment 706 also includes the portion of the magnetic strap 701 thatincludes the magnets 702 and 703. In some embodiments, the segment 706is composed of a material that is substantially memoryless, as discussedabove with respect to the segment 606 in FIGS. 6A-6C.

In some embodiments, the magnetic strap 701 includes a segment 707. Insome embodiments, the segment 707 includes the portion of the magneticstrap 701 that includes the magnet 703. In some embodiments, the segment707 is composed of an elastic material, as discussed above with respectto the segment 607 in FIGS. 6A-6C. In some embodiments, the segment 707is composed of an elastic polymer.

In some embodiments, the magnetic strap 701 includes a segment 708. Insome embodiments, the segment 708 includes the portion of the magneticstrap 701 that includes the magnet 702. In some embodiments, the segment708 is composed of an elastic material, as discussed above with respectto the segment 608 in FIGS. 6A-6C. In some embodiments, the segment 708is composed of an elastic polymer.

In some embodiments, the segment 707 includes a cord-attachmentmechanism that is used to attach the magnetic strap 701 to a cord(and/or a connector for the cord), as described above with respect tothe cord-attachment mechanism 609 in FIGS. 6A-6C.

FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C illustrate top, perspective, and side views,respectively, of a magnetic strap 801, according to some embodiments.The magnetic strap 801 is similar to the magnetic strap 601, so only thedifferences are discussed. The magnetic strap 801 includes magnets 802and 804 at a location 806 on the magnetic strap 801 and magnets 803 and805 at a location 807 on the magnetic strap 801. In some embodiments,the magnets 802-805 are attached to the surface of the magnetic strap801. In some embodiments, the material of the magnetic strap 801 coversall but one surface of the magnets 802-805 (e.g., see FIGS. 8D and 8E).In some embodiments, the material of the magnetic strap 801 covers allof the surfaces of the magnets 802-805. Note that although thediscussion of the magnetic strap 801 refers to the magnets 802, 803,804, and 805, each of the magnets 802, 803, 804, and 805 may include aset of magnets.

In some embodiments, the magnets 802, 803, 804, and 805 are configuredso that for a given surface of the magnetic strap 801, opposite magneticpoles of each magnet on the surface of the magnetic strap 801 areperpendicular to the surface of the magnetic strap 601. For example, thenorth pole of the magnet 802 is configured to be perpendicular to a topsurface of the magnetic strap 801, whereas the south pole of the magnet803 is configured to be perpendicular to the top surface of the magneticstrap 801. Similarly, the south pole of the magnet 804 is configured tobe perpendicular to the bottom surface of the magnetic strap 801,whereas the north pole of the magnet 805 is configured to beperpendicular to the bottom surface of the magnetic strap 801. Note thatthe directions of the poles of the magnets may be reversed.

In some embodiments, the magnets 802 and 804 are a single magnet and themagnets 803 and 805 are a single magnet.

In some embodiments, the magnetic strap 801 includes a segment 808 thatis located between the magnets 802 and 804 and the magnets 803 and 805.In some embodiments, the segment 808 also includes the portion of themagnetic strap 801 that includes the magnets 802-805. In someembodiments, the segment 808 is composed of a material that issubstantially memoryless, as discussed above with respect to the segment606 in FIGS. 6A-6C.

In some embodiments, the magnetic strap 801 includes a segment 809. Insome embodiments, the segment 809 includes the portion of the magneticstrap 801 that includes the magnets 803 and 805. In some embodiments,the segment 809 is composed of an elastic material, as discussed abovewith respect to the segment 607 in FIGS. 6A-6C. In some embodiments, thesegment 809 is composed of an elastic polymer.

In some embodiments, the magnetic strap 801 includes a segment 811. Insome embodiments, the segment 811 includes the portion of the magneticstrap 801 that includes the magnets 802 and 804. In some embodiments,the segment 811 is composed of an elastic material, as discussed abovewith respect to the segment 608 in FIGS. 6A-6C. In some embodiments, thesegment 811 is composed of an elastic polymer.

In some embodiments, the cross section of the magnets 802, 803, 804, and805 are step-shaped (i.e., step-layered). These embodiments areillustrated in FIG. 8D. In these embodiments, the base of the magnet hasprotrusions (e.g., protrusions 821, 822, 823, 824) that form a step. Theprotrusions of the magnets 802, 803, 804, and 805 may be inserted intocorresponding holes (or pockets) in the material so that the magnets802, 803, 804, and 805 are secured to the magnetic strap 801. Note thatas discussed above, the material of the magnetic strap 801 may cover allbut one surface of the magnets 802-805. Alternatively, the material ofthe magnetic strap 801 may cover all of the surfaces of the magnets802-805.

In some embodiments, the magnets 802 and 804, and 803 and 805,respectively, include posts that are configured to be inserted into eachother through the magnetic strap 801. These embodiments are illustratedin FIG. 8E. In these embodiments, the magnetic strap 801 has a hole atthe locations 806 and 807 into which the posts of the magnets 802 and804, and 803 and 805 (e.g., post 831 for the magnet 803 and post 832 forthe magnet 805) for respectively, are inserted. The posts of the magnets802 and 804, and 803 and 805, respectively, may be configured to belocked to each other after being attached to the magnetic strap 801.

In some embodiments, the segment 809 includes a cord-attachmentmechanism that is used to attach the magnetic strap 801 to a cord(and/or a connector for the cord), as described above with respect toFIGS. 6A-6C.

FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 9C illustrate top, perspective, and side views of amagnetic strap 901, according to some embodiments. The magnetic strap901 is similar to the magnetic strap 601, so only the differences arediscussed. The magnetic strap 901 includes a magnet 902 at a location904 on the magnetic strap 901 and a magnet 903 at a location 905 on themagnetic strap 901. In some embodiments, the magnets 902 and 903 areeither embedded or partially embedded in the magnetic strap 901. Inthese embodiments, the material of the magnetic strap 901 that enclosesthe magnets 902 and 903 conforms (i.e., fitted) to the shape of themagnets 902 and 903. Note that although the discussion of the magneticstrap 901 refers to the magnets 902 and 903, each of the magnets 902 and903 may include a set of magnets.

In some embodiments, the magnets 902 and 903 are configured so thatopposite magnetic poles of each magnet are perpendicular to the top (orbottom) surface of the magnetic strap 901. For example, the north poleof the magnet 902 is configured to be perpendicular to a first surfaceof the magnetic strap 901 whereas the south pole of the magnet 903 isconfigured to be perpendicular to the first surface of the magneticstrap 901.

In some embodiments, the magnetic strap 901 includes a segment 906 thatis located between the magnet 902 and the magnet 903. In someembodiments, the segment 906 also includes the portion of the magneticstrap 901 that includes the magnets 902 and 903. In some embodiments,the segment 906 is composed of a material that is substantiallymemoryless, as discussed above with respect to segment 606 in FIGS.6A-6C.

In some embodiments, the magnetic strap 901 includes a segment 907. Insome embodiments, the segment 907 includes the portion of the magneticstrap 901 that includes the magnet 903. In some embodiments, the segment907 is composed of an elastic material, as discussed above with respectto the segment 607 in FIGS. 6A-6C. In some embodiments, the segment 907is composed of an elastic polymer.

In some embodiments, the magnetic strap 901 includes a segment 908. Insome embodiments, the segment 908 includes the portion of the magneticstrap 901 that includes the magnet 902. In some embodiments, the segment908 is composed of an elastic material, as discussed above with respectto the segment 608 in FIGS. 6A-6C. In some embodiments, the segment 908is composed of an elastic polymer.

In some embodiments, the segment 907 includes a cord-attachmentmechanism that is used to attach the magnetic strap 901 to a cord(and/or a connector for the cord), as described above with respect tothe cord-attachment mechanism 609 in FIGS. 6A-6C.

As discussed above, the magnetic straps 601, 701, 801, and 901 usemagnets and/or a combination of magnets and magnetic material to form aloop that is configured to secure a cord. However, other attachmentmechanisms may be used to form the loop. In some embodiments, theattachment mechanism is selected from the group consisting of adhesive,Velcro, snaps, buttons, buckles, beads, and van der Waals forceattachment mechanisms, suction devices (e.g., suction cups), springs,bistable springs (e.g., a slap bracelet), sleeves that insert intoslots, pegs that are inserted into holes, and hinges.

FIGS. 12A-12F illustrate magnetic straps 1201-1206, respectively, whichare alternative designs of the magnetic strap 601 (701, 801, or 901),according to some embodiments. The magnetic straps 1201-1206 illustratedin these figures differ only in the shapes of the ends of the straps.These alternative designs may also be applied to the magnetic straps601, 701, 801, and 901 illustrated in FIGS. 6-9, respectively.

In some embodiments, the thickness of the material of the magnetic strap601 (701, 801, or 901) from the edge magnets gradually decreases to thethickness of the magnetic strap 601 at the center of the sections 606,706, 808, or 906. In some embodiments, the thickness of the material ofthe magnetic strap 601 from the edge magnets gradually decreases to thethickness of the magnetic strap 601 a predetermined location in thesections 606, 706, 808, or 906. In these embodiments, the thickness ofthe magnetic strap 601 from the predetermined location in the sections606, 706, 808, or 906 to the center of the sections 606, 706, 808, or906 is constant. By adjusting the predetermined location, theflexibility of the magnetic strap 601 may be increased or decreased. Forexample, if the predetermined location is closer to the magnets, themagnetic strap 601 is more flexible because the magnetic strap 601 isthinner in the sections 606, 706, 808, or 906. However, if thepredetermined location is at the center of the sections 606, 706, 808,or 906, the magnetic strap 601 is less flexible because the magneticstrap 601 is thicker in the sections 606, 706, 808, or 906.

In some embodiments, the material enclosing the magnets of the magneticstrap 601 (801, or 901) forms a substantially flat surface over the topand the bottom of the magnets. In these embodiments, the substantiallyflat surface increases the surface area on which the magnets can bemagnetically coupled to each other, and in turn, increases the magneticcoupling force between the magnets as compared to a crowned surface(e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 7C).

Note that although the embodiments described herein encapsulate themagnets in the material of the magnetic strap 601 (701, 801, or 901),the magnets may also be attached (e.g., using an adhesive, bolts,rivets, or other attachment mechanisms) onto one or more faces of themagnetic strap 601 (e.g., the “top” side or the “bottom” side of themagnetic strap 601).

In some embodiments, the magnetic straps 601, 701, 801, and 901 aresymmetrical. In these embodiments, the magnetic straps 601, 701, 801,and 901 may be folded over on either surface to form the loop. In someembodiments, the magnetic straps 601, 701, 801, and 901 areasymmetrical. In these embodiments, the magnetic straps 601, 701, 801,and 901 may only be folded on one of the surfaces to form the loop. Insome embodiments, one surface of the magnetic straps 601, 701, 801, and901 have a high-friction coating to help hold the wrapped cord in thestrap and one surface of the magnetic straps 601, 701, 801, and 901 havea low-friction coating to ease removal of the strap from an object.

Note that any combination of the features of the magnetic strapsdescribed above with respect to FIGS. 6-9 may be used in a particularimplementation of a magnetic strap.

Cord-Attachment Mechanism

As described above, the cord-attachment mechanisms 609, 709, 810, and909 allow the magnetic straps 601, 701, 801, and 901, respectively, tobe attached to a cord (and/or a connector for the cord). Although thefollowing discussion of cord-attachment mechanisms refers to thecord-attachment mechanism 609, the embodiments described below may beapplied to the cord-attachment mechanisms 709, 810, and 909. FIGS. 10and 11 illustrate exemplary embodiments of the cord-attachment mechanism609.

FIG. 10A illustrates the cord-attachment mechanism 609 as having aplurality of slits 1001, according to some embodiments. FIG. 10Billustrates the cord-attachment mechanism 609 as having a single slit1002, according to some embodiments. FIG. 10C illustrates thecord-attachment mechanism 609 as having two slits 1003 configured as an“X” or a “+,” according to some embodiments. Note that the angle betweenthe two slits 1003 may be arbitrarily set. FIG. 10E illustrates thecord-attachment mechanism 609 as having slits 1005 in the shape of astar, according to some embodiments. The dimensions of the slits 1001,1002, 1003, and 1005 are selected so that when a cord is inserted intothe slits 1001, 1002, 1003, and 1005, the material around the respectiveslits applies a pressure against the cord and hold the cord to themagnetic strap 601. Furthermore, the dimensions of the slits 1001, 1002,1003, and 1005 are selected so that the cord-attachment mechanism 609can attach to cords (or connectors of cords) of varying sizes. After themagnetic strap 601 has been attached to the cord (or a connector of thecord), a predetermined elastic force exerted by the hole against thecord secures the magnetic strap 601 to the cord (or the connector of thecord).

FIG. 10D illustrates the cord-attachment mechanism 609 as a hole 1004(e.g., a circular hole) in the segment 607, according to someembodiments. In these embodiments, a cord (or a connector of the cord)may be inserted into the hole. For embodiments in which the segment 607is elastic, the hole expands as the cord (or the connector for the cord)is inserted into the hole. In some embodiments, the cord-attachmentmechanism 609 is formed from an elastic polymer (e.g., by injecting anelastic polymer into a mold for the magnetic strap 601 or by cuttingmaterial from the segment 607, etc.). For example, the elastic polymermay be the elastic polymers described above with respect to the segment607. In some embodiments, the cord-attachment mechanism 609 is composedof the same polymer as the segments 606, 607, and 608. In someembodiments, the cord-attachment mechanism is composed of different, butcompatible, polymers. Note that the diameter of the hole 1004 may bedetermined based on factors including the range of diameters for cordsand/or connectors for the cords to be used with the magnetic strap 601.

FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate a side view and a perspective view,respectively, of a grommet 1101 for the cord attachment mechanism 609,according to some embodiments. The grommet 1101 increases the surfacearea in contact with a cord (or a connector for the cord) to reduce thetendency of the cord-attachment mechanism 609 to move up and/or down acord (or a connector for the cord) and to prevent the material insection 607 from forming a cone shape when installing and/or using themagnetic strap 601. In some embodiments, the grommet has a height of0.158 inches. In some embodiments, the grommet has a diameter of 0.1inches.

FIG. 11C illustrates another grommet 1102 for the cord attachmentmechanism 609, according to some embodiments. The grommet 1102 includesa centrally-located hole and slits coming out of the hole. The slitsallow the grommet 1102 to expand to fit larger diameter cords (orconnectors).

Note that other cord-attachment mechanisms may be used instead of thehole. For example, Velcro, adhesives, magnetic beads, suction devices,van der Waals force attachment mechanisms, buttons, buckles, springs,bistable springs (e.g., a slap bracelet), sleeves that insert intoslots, pegs that are inserted into holes, hinges a molded strap withsnaps may be used.

Magnetic Beads

FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrate top and side views, respectively, of amagnetic bead 1301, according to some embodiments. The magnetic bead1301 includes a leg 1302 and a leg 1303 that are pivotally coupled toeach other at one end of each respective leg. Each of the legs 1302 and1303 also includes a free end. As illustrated in FIGS. 13A and 13B, theleg 1302 and the leg 1303 are formed from a single piece of material(e.g., a flexible material that allows the legs 1302 and 1303 to bendtoward each other). However, the legs 1302 and 1303 may be pivotallycoupled to each other using other mechanisms. For example, a hinge maybe used to couple the leg 1302 to the leg 1303. The magnetic bead 1301also includes a magnet 1304 attached to the free end of the leg 1302 anda magnet 1305 attached to the free end of the leg 1303. Note that amagnetic material may be substituted for one of the magnets 1304 and1305. In some embodiments, the magnets 1304 and 1305 are embedded intothe free ends of the legs 1302 and 1303, respectively. In someembodiments, the free ends of the legs 1302 and 1303 cover all of thesurfaces of the magnets 1304 and 1305. In some embodiments, the freeends of the legs 1302 and 1303 cover all but one surface of the magnets1304 and 1305, respectively, as illustrated in FIGS. 13A and 13B. Insome embodiments, the magnets are selected form the group consisting ofmagnetic metallic elements, composite magnets, ceramic or ferritemagnets, alnico magnets, ticonal magnets, injection molded magnets,flexible magnets, rare earth magnets, and electromagnets. In someembodiments, the magnets are Neodymium magnets. In some embodiments,each magnet is a Neodymium having a grade of N42 a length of 0.27inches, a width of 0.125 inches, and a thickness of 0.47 inches. Notethat the grade and the dimensions of the Neodymium magnet depend on thesize of the free ends of the legs 1302 and 1303 magnetic beads. Forexample, a lower grade Neodymium magnet having larger dimensions may beused for a clip that has larger legs.

In some embodiments, the magnetic bead 1301 includes two configurations.In a first configuration, the magnetic bead 1301 is open so that thefree ends of the legs 1302 and 1303 are not touching each other. In asecond configuration, the magnetic bead 1301 is closed so that the freeends of the legs 1302 and 1303 are touching each other. When themagnetic bead 1301 is closed, the magnets 1304 and 1305 are magneticallyattached to each other and hold the magnetic bead 1301 in the closedconfiguration. To change the magnetic bead 1301 from the openconfiguration to the closed configuration, the free ends of the legs1302 and 1303 are bent towards each other. To return the magnetic bead1301 to the open configuration a force greater than the attractivemagnetic force must be applied to magnetically detach the free ends ofthe legs 1302 and 1303. The free ends of the legs 1302 and 1303 mustalso be moved to a position so that the magnetic force between themagnets 1304 and 1305 does not pull the free ends of the legs 1302 and1303 together again.

In some embodiments, the free ends of the legs 1302 and 1303 each haveat least one substantially flat surface. In these embodiments, when freeends of the legs 1302 and 1303 are bent toward each other so that theytouch, the substantially flat surfaces of the legs 1302 and 1303 areflush (i.e., there are no gaps) with each other (e.g., see FIGS. 14A to14K).

In some embodiments, the magnetic bead 1301 includes a cavity 1306. Whenattaching the magnetic bead 1301 to a cord, the cord is inserted intothe cavity 1306 and the magnetic bead 1301 is closed. Once closed, themagnetic bead 1301 holds the cord until the magnetic bead 1301 isopened. The cavity 1306 allows the magnetic bead 1301 to attach to thecord so that the surfaces of the free ends of the legs 1302 and 1303 areflush with each other (e.g., see FIGS. 6A to 6J). In some embodiments,the cavity 1306 is lined with a high-friction material to make thecavity 1306 more difficult to adjust when the magnetic bead 1301 isattached to a cord. In some embodiments, the cavity 1306 is lined with alow-friction material to make the cavity 1306 easier to adjust when themagnetic bead 1301 is attached to a cord.

In some embodiments, the cavity 1306 is formed of an elastic materialthat stretches to accommodate cords of varying sizes. The elasticmaterial of the cavity 1306 allows the magnetic bead 1301 to attach tocords of varying sizes so that faces of the free ends of the legs 1302and 1303 are flush with each other (e.g., see FIGS. 6A to 6J). Theelastic material also provides a force against the cord so that themagnetic bead 1301 does not slip along the cord. In some embodiments,the cavity 1306 is ribbed.

Instead of using the magnets 1304 and 1305 to attach the magnetic bead1301 to the cord, other attachment mechanisms may be used. In someembodiments, the attachment mechanism are selected form the groupconsisting of a snap closure, Velcro, an adhesive, a mechanical bead(e.g., a groove in the side the magnetic bead 1301 that snaps onto thecord), a latch, metal that bends and holds its shape, and the like.

FIGS. 13C and 13D illustrate cross-section views of the magnetic bead1301, according to some embodiments. As illustrated in FIG. 13D, themagnet 1305 is shaped like a step. Specifically, the magnet 1305includes protrusions 1310 and 1311 that are configured to hold themagnet 1305 in the material of the magnetic bead 1301. In someembodiments, the protrusions 1310 and 1311 are located on two opposingsides of the magnet 1305. The protrusions 1310 and 1311 may run the fulllength or a portion of the length of the side of the magnet 1305. Insome embodiments, two or more protrusions may be used. For example, themagnet 1305 may include protrusions on all of the sides of the magnet1305. Note that the magnet 1304 may also have the protrusions 1310 and1311.

FIGS. 14A to 14 k illustrate varying dimensions for magnetic beads,according to some embodiments. Each of the magnetic beads is attached toa cord for earbuds 601. Each of the magnetic beads 602, 604, 606, 608,610, 612, 614, 616, 618, and 620 includes a cavity 603, 605, 607, 609,611, 613, 615, 617, 619, 621, respectively. Table 1 presents exemplarydimensions for each of the magnetic beads illustrated in FIGS. 14A to14K. In Table 1, “length” refers to the dimension of the magnetic bead(or magnet) along the cord, “width” refers to the dimension of themagnetic bead (or magnet) that is perpendicular to the cord, and“thickness” refers to the thickness of the magnetic bead (or magnet).All dimensions are listed in inches.

TABLE 1 Exemplary dimensions for magnetic beads illustrated in FIGS.14A-14K. FIG. 14A 14B 14C 14D 14E 14F 14G 14H 14J 14K Folded Length 0.310.42 0.56 0.25 0.31 0.42 0.56 0.25 0.31 0.26 Bead (along Size cord)Width 0.25 0.22 0.20 0.25 0.27 0.24 0.22 0.28 0.25 0.22 (⊥ to cord)Thickness 0.14 0.14 0.14 0.18 0.14 0.14 0.14 0.18 0.19 0.25 MagnetLength 0.213 0.36 0.13 0.19 0.213 0.36 0.13 0.19 0.213 0.197 Size (alongcord) Width 0.125 0.1 0.08 0.125 0.125 0.1 0.08 0.125 0.125 0.099 (⊥ tocord) Thickness 0.047 0.047 0.047 0.063 0.047 0.047 0.047 0.063 0.1250.099

In some embodiments, when the magnetic beads described herein areattached to a cord, the magnetic beads can rotate about the cord so thatthe polarities of the magnets in the magnetic beads can be aligned sothat two distinct magnetic beads can magnetically attach to each other.

In some embodiments, a magnetic sheath is used in lieu of or in additionto magnetic beads. The magnetic sheath is described in more detail inU.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/338,680, entitled “Magnetic CordManagement System,” filed Dec. 18, 2008.

Configuring the Cord Management System

FIGS. 15A to 15H illustrate the process of configuring a cord managementsystem. These figures illustrate a cord 1515, which is an audio cord.Note that cords 1513 and 1514 are segments of the cord 1515 (e.g., seeFIG. 15D), and are also audio cords.

FIG. 15A illustrates a process of attaching a magnetic bead 1520 to thecord 1513, according to some embodiments. As illustrated in FIG. 15A,the cord 1513 is inserted into a cavity (e.g., the cavity 1306 in FIG.13A) of the magnetic bead 1520. In this case, the cord 1513 is connectedto a speaker 1511 of the headphone. Similarly, the cord 1514 isconnected to a speaker 1512 of the headphone. In some embodiments, themagnetic bead 1520 is attached to the cord 1513 a predetermined distancefrom the speaker 1511.

Once the magnetic bead 1520 is closed, the magnetic bead 1520 isattached to the cord 1513 (e.g., see FIG. 15B). In some embodiments,another magnetic bead is attached to the cord 1514 a predetermineddistance from the speaker 1512, as illustrated in FIG. 15D. In someembodiments, only one of the two magnetic beads attached to the speakers1511 and 1512 includes a magnet. In these embodiments, the othermagnetic bead includes a magnetic material.

In some embodiments, a magnetic bead is opened by sliding the magnets ofthe magnetic bead across each other until the magnets of the magneticbead are magnetically detached from each other. In some embodiments, amagnetic bead is opened by prying the magnets of the magnetic bead awayfrom each other until the magnets of the magnetic bead are magneticallydetached from each other.

In some embodiments, a magnetic bead 1513 is attached to the cord 1515 apredetermined distance from a connector 1516 (e.g., an audio connector).These embodiments are illustrated in FIG. 15C. In some embodiments, thepredetermined distance is selected so that when the connector 1516 isinserted into the cord-attachment mechanism 1509 of the magnetic strap1501, the magnetic bead 1523 is configured to be magnetically attachedto at least one of the magnets 1502 and 1503 of the magnetic strap 1501when the cord 1515 is wrapped around the magnetic strap 1501. Themagnetic bead 1523 holds the cord 1515 on the magnetic strap 1501 tofacilitate winding of the cord around the magnetic strap 1501. Thus, auser does not need to hold the cord 1515 to the magnetic strap 1501while winding the cord 1515 around the magnetic strap 1501.

In some embodiments, a magnetic bead 1522 is attached to the cord 1513.These embodiments are illustrated in FIG. 15D. In some embodiments, themagnetic bead 1522 is attached to the cord 1513 a specified distancefrom the speaker 1511. In some embodiments, the specified distance isselected so that the magnetic bead 1522 can be magnetically attached toone of the magnets of the magnetic strap 1501 when the cord 1513 iswrapped around the magnetic strap 1501. In some embodiments, thespecified distance is selected so that the magnetic bead 1522 can bemagnetically attached to one or more of the magnetic beads 1520 and 1521when the cord 1513 is wrapped once around an object (e.g., a mobileelectronic device). For example, a user may wrap the cord 1513 oncearound the object and attach the magnetic bead 1522 on the cord 1513 atthe location where the magnetic beads 1520 and/or 1521 intersect (oroverlap) the cord 1513.

In some embodiments, the connector 1516 is inserted into thecord-attachment mechanism 1509 of the magnetic strap 1501. Theseembodiments are illustrated in FIGS. 15E and 15F. By inserting theconnector 1516 into the cord-attachment mechanism 1509, the cord 1515 issecured to the magnetic strap 1501.

In some embodiments, a magnetic material 1524 (e.g., the magneticmaterial 103) is attached to an object 1530, as illustrated in FIG. 15G.Note that the magnetic material 1524 may be a magnet or magneticmaterial as discussed above. In these embodiments, the magnetic material1524 is attached to the object 1530 at a predetermined location. In someembodiments, the predetermined location is selected so that when themagnetic strap 1501 is attached to the object 1530, the magnet 1502 ismagnetically attached to the magnetic material 1524. These embodimentsassist with the deployment of the magnetic strap 1501 and/or may be usedto hold the magnetic strap 1501 to the object 1530 when the magneticstrap 1501 is in its natural configuration (e.g., the flatconfiguration). Note that these embodiments are also useful forelectronic devices that have connectors at the bottom of the device. Forthese electronic devices, the magnetic strap 1501 is attached so thatthe cord-attachment mechanism 1509 faces downwards when the electronicdevice is held in an upright position (e.g., when the user isinteracting with the user interface of the electronic device). Thus,when the magnetic strap 1501 is in its natural configuration (e.g., theflat configuration) and the magnetic material 1524 is not used, gravitymay pull down the end of the magnetic strap 1501 that includes themagnet 1502. However, when the magnetic strap 1501 is in its naturalconfiguration and the magnet 1502 is magnetically attached to themagnetic material 1524, the end of the magnetic strap 1501 that includesthe magnet 1502 will not be pulled down by gravity. In some embodiments,the predetermined location is selected so that when the magnetic strap1501 is attached to the object 1530, the magnet 1503 is magneticallyattached to the magnetic material 1524. These embodiments may be used tohold the magnetic strap 1501 to the object 1530 when the magnetic strap1501 is folded over into the loop configuration.

In some embodiments, the magnetic material 1524 is selected from thegroup consisting of a ferromagnetic material and a paramagneticmaterial. In some embodiments, the magnetic material 1524 is low-carbonsteel. In some embodiments, the magnetic material 1524 is Vanadiumcarbonyl. The magnetic material 1524 may be any shape, including, butnot limited to, a disc, a square, a rectangle, a decorative shape, andthe like. The size and shape of the magnetic material may be selectedbased on factors including, but not limited to, an aesthetic design ofthe object onto which the magnetic material is being attached and awidth of the magnetic strap. In some embodiments, the magnetic materialis a square having 0.5 inches sides. In some embodiments, the magneticmaterial is a circle having a radius of 0.5 inches. In some embodiments,the thickness of the magnetic material is 0.006 inches. Note that themagnetic material 1524 is beneficial when using the magnetic strap 1501with an electronic device that has an audio connector port on the sideor the bottom of the electronic device. In these cases, the magneticmaterial 1524 may be used to hold the magnetic strap 1501 to the object.Specifically, the magnetic material 1524 may be used as a magneticattachment point for the magnet 1502 so that the magnetic strap 1502does not dangle on the electronic device. In some embodiments, themagnetic material is galvanized or otherwise coated with a sealant. Thesealant may protect against rusting and protects the end users againstthe sharp edges of the magnetic material.

FIG. 15J illustrates a top view and a side view of the magnetic material1524, according to some embodiments. As illustrated, the magneticmaterial 1524 includes several elements. In some embodiments, themagnetic material 1524 includes a disc-shaped magnetic material 1552(e.g., composed of the magnetic material as described herein) whoseouter edge is at least partially covered and/or surrounded by aring-shaped elastic material 1551 (e.g., an elastic polymer as describedherein). The ring-shaped elastic material 1551 and/or disc-shapedmagnetic material 1552 may be coated with an adhesive (or otherattachment mechanism) on one surface to allow the magnetic material 1524to be attached to the object 1530. The ring-shaped elastic material 1551is configured to conform to the shape of the object when pressed againstthe object. Alternatively, or additionally, the disc-shaped material1552 and/or the magnetic material 1524 may be attached to anintermediate material (e.g., using adhesives and the like) that includesadhesives on one or both surfaces so that the intermediate material maybe attached to the object 1530 and to the disc-shaped material 1552 andthe magnetic material 1524. The intermediate material may be chosen sothat when the intermediate material is pressed onto the object, theintermediate material conforms to the shape of the object. For example,the intermediate material may be foam. Note that the shape of themagnetic material 1524 may be any other shape (e.g., a square, arectangle, etc.). The elastic material that partially covers and/orsurrounds the magnetic material may have a corresponding shape or may beany shape. For example, if the magnetic material 1524 has a disc shape,the elastic material may be a disc shape or may be a square shape (orany other shape).

In some embodiments, the magnetic strap 1501 is attached to the object1530 (e.g., see FIG. 15H). The object 1530 may be a portable electronicdevice (e.g., a mobile phone, a music player, etc.) or any other object(e.g., a hand). In some embodiments, the magnetic material 1524 isattached to the object 1530 and the magnet 1502 of the magnetic strap1501 is magnetically attached to the magnetic material 1501 so that themagnetic strap 1501 is attached to the object 1530. In some embodiments,the connector 1516 is connected to a port on the object 1520. In theseembodiments, the magnetic strap 1501 lays flat on the surface of theobject 1530. Note that the magnetic strap 1501 may also be incorporatedinto a case or into the object 1530, as described herein.

In some embodiments, the magnetic strap 1501 does not have a predefined“top” side and a predefined “bottom” side. In other words, either faceof the magnetic strap 1501 may be used as the top (or “face up”) side onthe object 1530. In some embodiments, the magnetic strap 1501 has apredefined “top” side and a predefined “bottom” side. In theseembodiments, the magnetic strap 101 can only be used with the top sidefacing away from the object 1530.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart of a method 2200 for using a cord managementsystem, according to some embodiments. As described above, a strap ofthe cord management system may be used by itself or may be used inconjunction with magnetic beads and/or a magnetic material attached tothe object.

As noted above, the magnetic strap 101 may be used with or without theelectronic device 210. In either case, steps 2202-2208 are performed. Acord is wrapped (2202) around the magnetic strap 101 substantiallyperpendicular to and/or otherwise across the magnetic strap 101 at anyangle, wherein the strap includes a first set of magnets attached to afirst location on the magnetic strap 101 and a second set of magnetsattached to a second location on the magnetic strap 101. The magneticstrap 101 is folded (2204) so that the magnetic strap 101 forms a looparound the cord. The loop is secured (2206) by coupling the first set ofmagnets and the second set of magnets.

In some embodiments, when the user desires to use the cord, the cord isdeployed (2208) from the magnetic strap 101 by pulling the cord awayform the strap (e.g., substantially parallel to the length of the strapor in any other direction from the strap). When the cord is pulled awayfrom the magnetic strap 101, the first set of magnets is decoupled fromthe second set of magnets so that the magnetic strap 101 no longer formsthe loop around the cord. In embodiments where the magnetic strap 101 isused by itself to manage the cord, the cord may be deployed from themagnetic strap 101 by pulling the cord away from the magnetic strap 101in a direction other than substantially parallel to the length of themagnetic strap 101.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart of a method 2300 for configuring a cordmanagement system, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments,at least one magnetic material or magnet is attached (2302) to anobject. For example, the magnetic material 103 may be attached to theelectronic device 210.

In some embodiments, a plurality of magnetic beads and/or magneticmaterial is attached (2304) to a cord. In some embodiments, at least onemagnetic bead of the plurality of magnetic beads is attached to the cordso that when the cord is wrapped around the strap, the at least onemagnetic bead is magnetically attached to one set of magnets and/ormagnetic material of the magnetic strap. In some embodiments, the cordis an audio cord of a headphone, which includes an audio connector andone or more speakers connected to the audio connector via the audiocord. In some embodiments, a first magnetic bead of the plurality ofmagnetic beads is attached (2320) to the audio cord at a predetermineddistance from the audio connector of the headphone. In some embodiments,a second magnetic bead of the plurality of magnetic beads is attached(2322) to the audio cord at a predetermined distance from a firstspeaker in the one or more speakers of the headphone. In someembodiments, a third magnetic bead of the plurality of magnetic beads isattached (2324) to the audio cord at a predetermined distance from asecond speaker in the one or more speakers of the headphone.

In some embodiments, the cord (and/or a connector for the cord) isattached (2306) to a cord-attachment mechanism. For example, theconnector 204 of the cord 201 may be inserted into the cord-attachmentmechanism of the magnetic strap 101.

In some embodiments, a first set of magnets or magnetic material of themagnetic strap 101 is attached (2308) to the magnetic material or themagnet (e.g., the magnetic material 103) attached to the object. Asdiscussed above, instead of using a magnet attached to the object, amaterial onto which the magnetic strap 101 can attach to the object isused (e.g., an adhesive disc, a suction cup, etc.).

Other Embodiments

FIGS. 16-19 illustrate other embodiments of the cord management system.

FIG. 16A illustrates a magnetic strap 1601 and a cord 1602, according tosome embodiments. The magnetic strap 1601 can be any of the magneticstraps discussed above (e.g., the magnetic straps 101, 601, 701, 801, or901). As illustrated in FIG. 16A, the magnetic strap 1601 includesmagnets 1605 and 1606 and the cord 1602 includes speakers 1603 and 1604.In contrast to the embodiments described above, the cord-attachmentmechanism of the magnetic strap 1601 is not used to attach the magneticstrap 1601 to the cord 1602. In order to use the magnetic strap 1601with the object, the magnetic strap 1601 is attached to the object. Insome embodiments, the magnetic strap 1601 is magnetically attached tothe object. In these embodiments, magnetic material (e.g., the magneticmaterial 103) is attached to the object (e.g., using adhesives, suctioncups, Velcro, etc., as described above) so that at least one of magnets1605 and 1606 can be magnetically attached to the magnetic material.When the magnets 1605 and/or 1606 are magnetically attached to themagnetic material, the magnetic strap is coupled to the object. In someembodiments, the magnetic strap 1601 is attached to the object using oneselected from the group consisting of adhesives, suction cups, Velcro,and a van der Waals force attachment mechanism.

As described above and as illustrated in FIGS. 16A and 16B, the cord1602 can be wrapped around the object and the magnetic strap 1601 andsecured by folding the magnetic strap 1601 into the loop, as describedabove.

FIG. 26A illustrates an object 2601 and the cord 201 secured by themagnetic strap 101, according to some embodiments. As illustrated inFIG. 26A, the cord 201 and the magnetic strap 101 are detached from theobject 2601. A magnetic material 2602 is also attached to the object2601. As discussed above, the magnetic material 2602 may be located onthe object 2601 so that when the magnetic strap 101 is attached to theobject 2601, one of the magnets 104 and 105 can be magnetically attachedto the magnetic material 2602. In some cases, the end user may reattachthe magnetic strap 101 and/or the cord 201 to the object 2601 withoutdeploying the cord 201 from the magnetic strap 101, as illustrated inFIG. 26B. In some cases, a user may have already wrapped the cord 201 inthe magnetic strap 101 where the magnetic strap 101 is detached from theobject 2601. In these cases, the user may reattach the magnetic strap tothe object 2601 to hold the magnetic strap 101 and the cord 201 to theobject 2601. FIG. 26C illustrates the magnetic strap 101 attached to theobject 2601, according to some embodiments. As illustrated in FIG. 26C,the connector for the cord 201 is not attached to the cord-attachmentmechanism of the magnetic strap 101. The magnetic strap 101 may beattached to the surface of the object 2601 using any of the attachmentmechanisms discussed herein (e.g., magnets, suction cups, adhesives,etc.). For example, the magnetic material 103 may be attached to theobject. The magnets 104 and/or 105 may then be magnetically attached tothe magnetic material 103 so that the magnetic strap 101 is attached tothe object 2601, as illustrated in FIG. 26C. Note that although theconnector for the cord 201 is illustrated as being attached to acorresponding connector of the object 2601, the connector of the cord201 may also be disconnected from the corresponding connector. In otherwords, the connector of the cord 201 may dangle freely from the magneticstrap 2602.

FIG. 27A illustrates a magnetic strap 2701 attached to an object 2700,according to some embodiments. Note that FIG. 27A is similar to FIG. 16Awith the exception that the object 2700 has larger dimensions that theillustrated in FIG. 16A. The magnetic strap 2701 can be any of themagnetic straps discussed above (e.g., the magnetic straps 101, 601,701, 801, or 901). As illustrated in FIG. 27A, the magnetic strap 2701includes magnets 2705 and 2706 and the cord 2702 includes speakers 2703and 2704. As with FIG. 16A, the cord-attachment mechanism of themagnetic strap 2701 is not used to attach the magnetic strap 2701 to thecord 2702. In order to use the magnetic strap 2701 with the object, themagnetic strap 2701 is attached to the object. In some embodiments, themagnetic strap 2701 is magnetically attached to the object. In theseembodiments, magnetic material (e.g., the magnetic material 103) isattached to the object (e.g., using adhesives, suction cups, Velcro,etc., as described above) so that at least one of magnets 2705 and 2706can be magnetically attached to the magnetic material. When the magnets2705 and/or 2706 are magnetically attached to the magnetic material, themagnetic strap is coupled to the object. In some embodiments, themagnetic strap 2701 is attached to the object using one selected fromthe group consisting of adhesives, suction cups, Velcro, and a van derWaals force attachment mechanism.

As described above and as illustrated in FIGS. 27A and 27B, the cord2702 can be wrapped around the object 2700 and the magnetic strap 2701and secured by folding the magnetic strap 2701 into the loop, asdescribed above. Note that since the object 2700 is larger than theobject illustrated in FIG. 16A, the number of loops of the cord 2702around the object 2700 is less than the number of loops of the cord 1602around the object illustrated in FIG. 16A.

FIGS. 27C and 27D are analogous to FIGS. 27A and 27B except that themagnetic strap 2701 in FIGS. 27C and 27D is rotated 90 degrees on theobject 2700 and the cord 2702 is wrapped vertically around the object2700.

FIGS. 27E and 27F are analogous to FIGS. 27A and 27B except that themagnetic strap 2701 in FIGS. 27E and 27F is attached to the top surfaceof the object 2700 and the cord 2702 is wrapped vertically around theobject 2700. As illustrated in FIGS. 27E and 27F, the connector for thecord 2702 is attached through the cord-attachment mechanism of themagnetic strap 2701 to the corresponding connector on the object 2700.

FIG. 27G is analogous to FIG. 26C and illustrates the magnetic strap2701 securing the cord 2702 and attached to the object 2700, accordingto some embodiments.

FIG. 17A illustrates a magnetic strap 1701 attached to an object,according to some embodiments. The magnetic strap 1701 can be any of themagnetic straps discussed above (e.g., the magnetic straps 101, 601,701, 801, or 901). As illustrated in FIG. 17A, the magnetic strap 1701includes magnets 1705 and 1706 and the cord 1702 includes speakers 1703and 1704. In contrast to the embodiments described above, thecord-attachment mechanism of the magnetic strap 1701 is not present. Inorder to use the magnetic strap 1701 with the object, the magnetic strap1701 is attached to the object. In some embodiments, the magnetic strap1701 is magnetically attached to the object. In these embodiments,magnetic material (e.g., the magnetic material 103) is attached to theobject (e.g., using adhesives, suction cups, Velcro, etc., as describedabove) so that at least one of magnets 1705 and 1706 can be magneticallyattached to the magnetic material. When the magnets 1705 and/or 1706 aremagnetically attached to the magnetic material, the magnetic strap iscoupled to the object. In some embodiments, the magnetic strap 1701 isattached to the object using one selected from the group consisting ofadhesives, suction cups, Velcro, and a van der Waals force attachmentmechanism.

In some embodiments, at least one surface of the magnetic strap 1701 isa high-friction surface. In these embodiments, the high-friction surfacefaces the object and helps keep the magnetic strap 1701 from moving onthe object.

As described above and as illustrated in FIGS. 17A and 17B, the cord1702 can be wrapped around the object and the magnetic strap 1701 andsecured by folding the magnetic strap 1701 into the loop, as describedabove.

FIG. 28A illustrates a magnetic strap attached to an object, accordingto some embodiments. Note that FIG. 28A is similar to FIG. 17A with theexception that the object 2800 has larger dimensions that theillustrated in FIG. 17A. The magnetic strap 2801 can be any of themagnetic straps discussed above (e.g., the magnetic straps 101, 601,701, 801, or 901). As illustrated in FIG. 28A, the magnetic strap 2801includes magnets 2805 and 2806 and the cord 2802 includes speakers 2803and 2804. As with FIG. 17A, the cord-attachment mechanism of themagnetic strap 2801 is not present. In order to use the magnetic strap2801 with the object, the magnetic strap 2801 is attached to the object.In some embodiments, the magnetic strap 2801 is magnetically attached tothe object. In these embodiments, magnetic material (e.g., the magneticmaterial 103) is attached to the object (e.g., using adhesives, suctioncups, Velcro, etc., as described above) so that at least one of magnets2805 and 2806 can be magnetically attached to the magnetic material.When the magnets 2805 and/or 2806 are magnetically attached to themagnetic material, the magnetic strap is coupled to the object. In someembodiments, the magnetic strap 2801 is attached to the object using oneselected from the group consisting of adhesives, suction cups, Velcro,and a van der Waals force attachment mechanism.

As described above and as illustrated in FIGS. 28A and 28B, the cord2802 can be wrapped around the object 2800 and the magnetic strap 2801and secured by folding the magnetic strap 2801 into the loop, asdescribed above. Note that since the object 2800 is larger than theobject illustrated in FIG. 17A, the number of loops of the cord 2802around the object 2800 is less than the number of loops of the cord 1702around the object illustrated in FIG. 17A.

FIGS. 28C and 28D are analogous to FIGS. 28A and 28B except that themagnetic strap 2801 in FIGS. 28C and 28D is rotated 90 degrees on theobject 2800 and the cord 2802 is wrapped vertically around the object2800.

FIGS. 28E and 28F are analogous to FIGS. 28A and 28B except that themagnetic strap 2801 in FIGS. 28E and 28F is attached to the top surfaceof the object 2800 and the cord 2802 is wrapped vertically around theobject 2800. As illustrated in FIGS. 28E and 28F, the connector for thecord 2802 is attached through the cord-attachment mechanism of themagnetic strap 2801 to the corresponding connector on the object 2800.

FIG. 28G is analogous to FIG. 26C and illustrates the magnetic strap2801 securing the cord 2802 and attached to the object 2800, accordingto some embodiments.

FIG. 18A illustrates a magnetic strap 1801 integrated into a case 1812for an object, according to some embodiments. Note that the term “case”refers to any type of material that covers or partially covers theobject. For example, the case may include, but is not limited to flipcase, a zipper case, a skin, an open-faced case, and the like. Themagnetic strap 1801 includes magnets 1802 and 1803. The magnetic strap1801 illustrated in FIG. 18A cannot be detached from the case 1812.However, the operation of the magnetic strap 1801 is similar to theoperation of the magnetic straps described above. For example, themagnetic strap 1801 may be folded to form a loop, as illustrated in FIG.18B. Note that the magnetic strap 1801 lies in a cavity of the case1812. For example, FIG. 18B illustrates that the cavity is revealed whenthe magnetic strap 1801 is folded over to form the loop. In someembodiments, one of the magnets 1802 and 1803 is a magnet and the otheris a magnetic material. In some embodiments, the magnetic strap 1801 isintegrated into the object (e.g., the back of the object).

FIG. 19A illustrates a case 1922 for an object, according to someembodiments. The case 1922 includes a cavity 1911. Magnets 1912 and 1913are embedded into cavity 1911 of the case 1922. A magnetic strap 1911including magnets 1902 and 1903 may be magnetically attached to the case1922, according to some embodiments. For example, the magnets 1902 and1903 may be magnetically attached to the magnets 1912 and 1913,respectively. Note that magnetic materials (e.g., as described above)may be substituted for the magnets 1902, 1903, 1912, and 1913. Also notethat only one of the pair of magnets 1902 and 1912 may be substitutedfor the magnetic material. Similarly, only one of the pair of magnets1903 and 1913 may be substituted for the magnetic material. In otherwords, at least one magnet is required for each end of the magneticstrap. The operation of the magnetic strap 1901 is similar to theoperation of the magnetic straps described above. For example, themagnetic strap 1901 may be folded to form a loop, as illustrated in FIG.19C. In contrast to the magnetic strap 1801, the magnetic strap 1901 maybe removed from the case 1922 (e.g., see FIG. 19A). In some embodiments,the magnetic strap 1901 is integrated into the object (e.g., the back ofthe object).

FIGS. 19D-19F illustrate how the magnetic strap 1901 is used to secure acord. FIG. 19D illustrates a cord wrapped around the magnetic strap 1901and the case 1922, FIG. 19E illustrates the magnetic strap 1901 foldedover to form a loop around the cord, and FIG. 19F illustrates themagnetic strap 1901 securing the cord and detached from the case 1922,according to some embodiments.

Method of Manufacturing

FIG. 24 is a block diagram illustrating a computer system 2400 formanufacturing a cord management system, according to some embodiments.The computer system 2400 typically includes one or more processing units(CPU's) 2402, one or more network or other communications interfaces2404, memory 2410, and one or more communication buses 2409 forinterconnecting these components. The communication buses 2409 mayinclude circuitry (sometimes called a chipset) that interconnects andcontrols communications between system components. The computer system2400 optionally may include a user interface 2405 comprising a displaydevice 2406 and input devices 2408 (e.g., keyboard, mouse, touch screen,keypads, etc.). Memory 2410 includes high-speed random access memory,such as DRAM, SRAM, DDR RAM or other random access solid state memorydevices; and may include non-volatile memory, such as one or moremagnetic disk storage devices, optical disk storage devices, flashmemory devices, or other non-volatile solid state storage devices.Memory 2410 may optionally include one or more storage devices remotelylocated from the CPU(s) 2402. Memory 2410, or alternately thenon-volatile memory device(s) within memory 2410, comprises a computerreadable storage medium. In some embodiments, memory 2410 stores thefollowing programs, modules and data structures, or a subset thereof:

-   -   an operating system 2412 that includes procedures for handling        various basic system services and for performing hardware        dependent tasks;    -   a communication module 2414 that is used for connecting the        computer system 2400 to other computers via the one or more        communication interfaces 2404 (wired or wireless) and one or        more communication networks, such as the Internet, other wide        area networks, local area networks, metropolitan area networks,        and so on;    -   an optional user interface module 2416 that receives commands        from the user via the optional input devices 2408 and generates        user interface objects in the optional display device 2406; and    -   a manufacturing module 2418 that manufactures or otherwise        controls manufacturing equipment to manufacture a cord        management system, as described with respect to FIG. 25.

Each of the above identified elements may be stored in one or more ofthe previously mentioned memory devices, and corresponds to a set ofinstructions for performing a function described above. The set ofinstructions can be executed by one or more processors (e.g., the CPUs2402). The above identified modules or programs (i.e., sets ofinstructions) need not be implemented as separate software programs,procedures or modules, and thus various subsets of these modules may becombined or otherwise re-arranged in various embodiments. In someembodiments, memory 2410 may store a subset of the modules and datastructures identified above. Furthermore, memory 2410 may storeadditional modules and data structures not described above.

Although FIG. 2400 shows a “computer system,” FIG. 2400 is intended moreas functional description of the various features which may be presentin a set of computer systems than as a structural schematic of theembodiments described herein. In practice, and as recognized by those ofordinary skill in the art, items shown separately could be combined andsome items could be separated.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart of a method 2500 for manufacturing a cordmanagement system, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments,the method of manufacturing the cord management system may be performedby the computer system 2400. The computer system 2400 forms (2502) astrap. The computer system 2400 then attaches (2504) a first set ofmagnets to a first location on the strap and attaches (2506) a secondset of magnets to a second location on the strap. In some embodiments,the strap includes at least two modes of operation. In a first mode ofoperation, the first set of magnets is magnetically attached to thesecond set of magnets so that a first segment of the strap locatedbetween the first set of magnets and the second set of magnets forms aloop configured to secure a cord that is wrapped around the strap. In asecond mode of operation, the first set of magnets is magneticallydetached from the second set of magnets so that the first segment nolonger forms the loop.

In some embodiments, the computer system 2400 forms (2506) magneticbeads.

In some embodiments, the computer system 2400 forms (2508) magneticmaterial.

In some embodiments, the computer system 2400 forms (2510) acord-attachment mechanism in the strap.

The method 2500 may be governed by instructions that are stored in acomputer readable storage medium and that are executed by one or moreprocessors of one or more computer systems. Each of the operations shownin FIG. 25 may correspond to instructions stored in a computer memory orcomputer readable storage medium. The computer readable storage mediummay include a magnetic or optical disk storage device, solid statestorage devices such as Flash memory, or other non-volatile memorydevice or devices. The computer readable instructions stored on thecomputer readable storage medium are in source code, assembly languagecode, object code, or other instruction format that is interpretedand/or executable by one or more processors.

The foregoing description, for purpose of explanation, has beendescribed with reference to specific embodiments. However, theillustrative discussions above are not intended to be exhaustive or tolimit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Many modificationsand variations are possible in view of the above teachings. Theembodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain theprinciples of the invention and its practical applications, to therebyenable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention andvarious embodiments with various modifications as are suited to theparticular use contemplated.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for using a cord management system,comprising: holding a strap in a hand such that a length of the strap issubstantially parallel to fingers of the hand; wrapping a cord aroundthe strap, wherein the strap includes at least one magnet attached to afirst location on the strap and a magnetic material attached to a secondlocation on the strap; wrapping the cord around one or more fingers ofthe hand such that both the strap and the one or more fingers of thehand are within the wrapped cord; folding the strap to form a looparound the cord; and securing the loop by magnetically attaching the atleast one magnet to the magnetic material.
 2. The method of claim 1,further comprising, after securing the loop, removing the wrapped cordfrom around the one or more fingers of the hand.
 3. The method of claim1, wherein the strap includes a cord attachment mechanism configured toremovably couple a first end of the cord to the strap.
 4. The method ofclaim 3, wherein the cord attachment mechanism includes a hole, the cordincludes an electrical connector at the first end, and the hole isconfigured to receive at least a portion of the electrical connector. 5.The method of claim 4, further comprising, prior to wrapping the cordaround the strap: inserting the electrical connector into the hole; andinserting the electrical connector into a receptacle of an electronicdevice.
 6. A method for using a cord management system, comprising:inserting an electrical connector of a cord into a hole on a strap,wherein the cord includes the electrical connector at the first end, andwherein the strap includes: at least one magnet attached to a firstlocation on the strap and a magnetic material attached to a secondlocation on the strap, and a cord attachment mechanism configured toremovably couple a first end of the cord to the strap, wherein the cordattachment mechanism includes the hole, and the hole is configured toreceive at least a portion of the electrical connector; inserting theelectrical connector into a receptacle of an electronic device; wrappingthe cord around the strap and the electronic device such that both thestrap and the electronic device are within the wrapped cord; folding thestrap to form a loop around the cord; securing the loop by magneticallyattaching the at least one magnet to the magnetic material.
 7. Themethod of claim 6, further comprising, after securing the loop: removingthe electrical connector from the receptacle on the electronic device;and removing the wrapped cord from around the electronic device.
 8. Amethod for using a cord management system, comprising: inserting anelectrical connector of a cord into a hole on a strap, wherein the cordincludes the electrical connector at the first end, and wherein thestrap includes: at least one magnet attached to a first location on thestrap and a magnetic material attached to a second location on thestrap, and a cord attachment mechanism configured to removably couple afirst end of the cord to the strap, wherein the cord attachmentmechanism includes the hole, and the hole is configured to receive atleast a portion of the electrical connector; holding the strap in a handsuch that a length of the strap is substantially parallel to fingers ofthe hand; wrapping the cord around the strap, including wrapping thecord around one or more fingers of the hand such that both the strap andthe one or more fingers of the hand are within the wrapped cord foldingthe strap to form a loop around the cord; securing the loop bymagnetically attaching the at least one magnet to the magnetic material.9. The method of claim 8, further comprising, after securing the loop,removing the wrapped cord from around the one or more fingers of thehand.
 10. A method for using a cord management system, comprising:wrapping a cord around a strap, wherein the strap includes at least onemagnet attached to a first location on the strap and a magnetic materialattached to a second location on the strap; folding the strap to form aloop around the cord; and securing the loop by magnetically attachingthe at least one magnet to the magnetic material; deploying the cord bypulling the cord away from the strap, wherein pulling the cord away fromthe strap includes pulling the cord in a direction substantiallyparallel to a length of the strap so as to draw the cord between the atleast one magnet and the magnetic material.
 11. The method of claim 10,wherein pulling the cord in the direction substantially parallel to thelength of the strap imparts an impulse force to the strap that causesthe at least one magnet and the magnetic material to detach from oneanother.
 12. A method for using a cord management system, comprising:wrapping a cord around a strap, wherein the strap includes at least onemagnet attached to a first location on the strap and a magnetic materialattached to a second location on the strap, and wherein the cord iswrapped around the strap between the at least one magnet and themagnetic material; folding the strap to form a loop around the cord; andsecuring the loop by magnetically attaching the at least one magnet tothe magnetic material.
 13. A method for using a cord management system,comprising: wrapping a cord around a strap, wherein the strap includesat least one magnet attached to a first location on the strap and amagnetic material attached to a second location on the strap; prior towrapping the cord around the strap, coupling at least one of the atleast one magnet and the magnetic material to a case for an electronicdevice; folding the strap to form a loop around the cord; and securingthe loop by magnetically attaching the at least one magnet to themagnetic material.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the case for theelectronic device includes a magnetic material surface, and the at leastone of the at least one magnet and the magnetic material is magneticallycoupled to the magnetic material surface.